(A-Leagues)
Newy 87.8 FM – Max Burgess has been confirmed as the Newcastle Jets' new captain for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season, with Joe Shaughnessy appointed vice-captain.
Mark Milligan's side were searching for a new skipper following the departure of former captain Kosta Grozos, handing the armband to Burgess after an impressive campaign back in the Hunter.
The 31-year-old first joined the Jets for the 2014/15 season and returned to the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, quickly establishing himself as a mainstay in the midfield.
A Man of the Match performance from Burgess helped the Jets defeat Heidelberg United to win the 2025 Australia Cup, before the side sealed a first ever Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers Plate to finish the season with two pieces of silverware.
"We spoke about it a couple weeks ago. It's a huge honour and privilege to lead this group," Burgess told media on Thursday.
The Jets now turn their attention to the opening game of their AFC Champions League Elite campaign against J1 League side Kashima Antlers on Tuesday, with the squad travelling to Japan on Friday.
Following that match, the Jets welcome Gamba Osaka to McDonald Jones Stadium on October 13, before beginning their Premiership defence away to rivals Central Coast Mariners four days later.
The Jets are slated to face five Japanese teams in total during their ACL Elite campaign.
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