Almost a dozen players are set to bid the Newcastle Jets farewell after recently celebrating the club’s most successful season.
The A-League organisation confirmed this week Lachlan Rose, Mark Natta, Kota Mizunuma, Clayton Taylor, Lachlan Bayliss, Ben Gibson, Noah James, Lucas Scicluna, Ben van Dorssen and Christian Bracco would depart following the expiration of their respective contracts.
It comes after Mark Milligan’s side narrowly missed a berth in the men’s grand final, thanks to a heartbreaking penalty shootout, after claiming the Australia Cup and Premier’s Plate double in 2025/26.
Of the squad, who took the field against Sydney FC on 16 May, James Delianov, Joe Shaughnessy, Daniel Wilmering, Joel Bertolissio, Max Burgess, Will Dobson, Eli Adams, Xavier Bertoncello, Kosta Grozos, Zach Clough, Alex Nunes and Alex Nassiep remain on the books at this stage, as does injured trio Thomas Aqulina, Alex Badolato and Oscar Fryer.
The organisation has also signed Greek striker Nikos Vergos from Melbourne Victory.
So, the future is still bright as Newcastle prepares to tackle the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite for the first time.
Jets’ general manager of football Nigel Boogaard thanked all players for their endeavours.
“Everyone who is leaving the club at the end of this season has made a significant contribution during their time,” he said.
“I want to express my gratitude for their efforts and wish them every bit of success in their careers.”
The biggest losses, however, are Natta, Mizunuma, Taylor, Bayliss, Gibson and Rose, who signed with Scottish Premiership club Dundee United in March.
Natta joined Newcastle in 2022, after being released by the Western Sydney Wanderers.
He went on to make 97 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.
Fan favourite Mizunuma arrived in 2025 from Yokohama F. Marinos.
The attacker donned a Jets’ jersey 37 times, netting on seven occasions.
After being release from Sydney FC, Taylor landed in the Hunter in 2023.
The gifted winger scored 24 goals in 79 games.
He also received his maiden call-up to the Australia under-23 team.
Bayliss, meanwhile, linked up with Newcastle in 2023 from the Central Coast Mariners.
The midfielder played 71 matches, scoring six goals.
After taking his game to another level under Milligan and his staff, he earned his first call-up to the New Zealand national squad.
He debuted in a recent friendly against Finland.
Talented striker Gibson, an astute pick-up from APIA Leichhardt in 2024, added 11 goals to his tally during his time at the Jets.
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