Instead of his traditional end-of-year family holiday, Newcastle Jets young gun Max Cooper is preparing for his maiden A-League Men’s (ALM) Boxing Day clash.

The Warners Bay FC junior usually heads north to visit his “nan” in Byron Bay over the festive period.

But, after making an impressive start to his ALM career in 2025/26, the central defender will spend Christmas Day training with teammates before lining up against the Macarthur Bulls at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 26 December.

And, he doesn’t mind that one bit.

“It’s honestly unreal to be playing, I love football,” Cooper said.

“I’m really looking forward to it.

“Mum, dad and I were planning on going away.

“However, that’s obviously changed now… and, thankfully, they’re okay with it.

“It’s great for the local community, too, seeing another youngster from Newcastle in the ALM side, like Dobbo (Will Dobson) and Xav (Xavier Bertoncello) who both scored against Sydney FC.”

With the Jets’ Academy products revelling on the big stage, Cooper admitted the reaction from fans – especially last Saturday – was certainly heartening.

While pundits estimated a crowd of 5,000-plus, the noise and atmosphere seemed double that figure as Newcastle beat Sydney FC 2-0.

“It was fantastic being a part of that… and seeing the elation of our supporters,” he said.

“I was there a couple of seasons ago in the crowd, being one of those people.

“So, I know what it’s like for them.

“I just want to make them happy.

“Getting the three points at home, and a clean sheet, was obviously very good.

“I know people will be away for the Christmas period.

“But, hopefully, we’ll attract another big turnout on Boxing Day.”

It’s been a meteoric rise for the 18-year-old over the past six months.

Cooper made his senior debut against Adelaide United in the 2025 Australia Cup after impressing coach Mark Milligan with his performances in the Youth squad.

He then signed a multi-season scholarship deal ahead of the final, which he missed due to illness.

However, he returned to the starting line-up against the Central Coast Mariners in the ALM’s opening round.

“It’s definitely a ‘pinch myself’ moment,” Cooper said.

“To be here and part of a professional environment, after being in NPL 2, it is really big for me, being only a teenager.

“I just take every day as it comes and make sure that I put my best foot forward.

“However, it’s easy to feel comfortable here.

“The belief of the boys and my bosses [in me] have been a boost to my confidence.

“I feel like I belong in the ALM… but it’s equally-important to continue my development.

“This is a massive opportunity for me, so I need to work really hard.

“My goal, now, is to get as many minutes as possible; that’s probably the best thing for me moving forward.

“I definitely need the experience.

“So, if I can secure match after match that helps greatly.

“Obviously, I’ll take every day as it comes.

“It’s still my first professional season, so getting more games and minutes under my belt, and gaining confidence week in week out, will only benefit me in the long run.”

In other news, Newcastle confirmed the immediate departure of defender Aleksandar Šušnjar by mutual agreement on Monday 22 December.

He was granted a release to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Šušnjar joined the Jets in 2024 and made a total of 28 appearances for the club, scoring one goal.

He was also a member of the side, which claimed the prestigious 2025 Australia Cup.

Newcastle’s showdown with Macarthur kicks off at 7.35pm.

For more sports stories:

• Rutherford teen lines up big future with Hunter Wildfires
• Hometown heroes launch Jets to upset win over Sky Blues
• Winners and losers from 2026 NEWRL draw

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