The two-day visit will incorporate clinics and a trial game against a side comprised of Northern Inland Premier League players, and form part of the Jets’ preparations for their 2017/2018 A-League campaign.

The trial game will be played on Thursday night (August 17) at Scully Park and is generating a lot of buzz among the NIPL fraternity.

“It’s fairly exciting,” Northern Inland Football president Tim Coates said.

“It’s a huge opportunity, especially for the guys that have played for a fair while in the local competition.”

Also for players that might have played in the A-League, with Coates hinting that former Jet and now Tamworth FC striker Troy Hearfield will be part of the NIPL side.

Coates will co-coach the side with Neil Wheaton. Scott Freeman and Greg Bartlett will also be involved in coordinating the side.

“We’re trying to make sure we get players from all teams.

“We’ll be asking each club to nominate a couple of players,” Coates said.

It’s the third year in a row the Newcastle club have visited the region, but first time they will face a local side.

Chief Executive Officer Lawrie McKinna floated the prospect of such a venture following last year’s A-League trial loss to the Central Coast Mariners, which drew over 2000 spectators.

“We want to come back next year,” McKinna told The Leader at the time.

“I’d love to come back and play a representative team.”