NEWCASTLE Jets hopefuls Joe Keenan and Antun Kovacic arrive from Melbourne today for a three-day trial which culminates with a hit-out against Budgewoi on Friday.
A left-sided wingback, Keenan made 12 appearances, 10 as a starter, for Melbourne Victory last season. The 25-year-old has a season to run on a two-year deal in the Victorian capital, but coach Ernie Merrick has opened the way for him to move on.
Born in Southampton, he represented England under 20s and spent four years at English Premier League giants Chelsea.
He made two appearances off the bench for the Blues under then manager Claudio Ranieri before breaking his leg.
Kovacic, a tough centre back, played 59 games for the Melbourne Knights in the old national league before a brief stint as an injury replacement for Victory in the inaugural A-League. He currently plays for Richmond in the Victorian Premier League.