Rain postpones Mariners, Jets

The weather has played havoc with Newcastle's A-League fixtures for the second week running after Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced Saturday night's match between Central Coast and the Jets at Bluetongue Stadium has been postponed.

Heavy rain was the reason for the disruption as it was last week when North Queensland and Newcastle were forced to reschedule their January 30 date at Dairy Farmers Stadium to Tuesday night due to tropical cyclone Olga.

The Jets subsequently lost that fixture 2-1.

Bluetongue Stadium is under several inches of water, and FFA, in conjunction with both clubs and broadcaster Fox Sports, decided the surface would be unplayable just before 5pm on Saturday afternoon.

The game will now be played on Monday at 7.30pm.

However, this time the delay may work in the Jets' favour, as the key trio of skipper Matthew Thompson, midfield general Jobe Wheelhouse and striker Sean Rooney were all likely to miss the game due to injury.

Thompson especially indicated on Friday he was keen to participate despite labeling his hamstring only '70 percent' and may now be ready to lead his team into action when the final F3 Derby of the season eventuates.

The Mariners are out of finals contention, while the Jets need a win to maintain their challenge for fourth spot and the right to host a match in the Hunter in the first week of the playoffs.