Young Toowoomba footballers eager to fly with Jets

Toowoomba Grammar School footballers prepare for Newcastle Jets trial

BIG OPPORTUNITY: Luke Lister (left) and Keanu Tuart will trial with the Newcastle Jets National Youth Team in the hope of gaining a contract in September. Picture: Nev Madsen

FOOTBALL: Two Toowoomba footballers will spend their September holidays hoping to earn their "wings” with the Newcastle Jets.

Toowoomba Grammar School and South West Queensland Thunder players Luke Lister and Keanu Tuart will spend a fortnight with the club's under-20 team in a bid to secure a contract.

Both players were invited back to the A-League club after a recent trial but are taking nothing for granted.

"Knowing the culture and the program I think we will be a little more relaxed this time around,” Tuart said.

"But we won't take anything for granted. We will still have to work hard.”

Tuart, who lines up as an attacking midfielder, said the "learning experience” was just as exciting as fighting for potential contract.

"It's very exciting,” Tuart said.

"We will be surrounded by some great players - they've got a lot of attacking quality there.

"Regardless of what happens it will be a fantastic learning experience.”

For Lister the fortnight long trial will be about putting his best foot forward without overplaying his hand.

"I'm just going to stick with what has been working for me all season,” he said. "I've scored a few goals this season - it's just about being positive, confident and getting into good positions.”

Lister also sees real value in the Jets' focus on promoting and encouraging youth.

"They played a lot of young guys last season,” he said.

"They have a great program and the set-up is really professional.

"I'm really excited.”

Originally published as Young Toowoomba footballers eager to fly with Jets