Jets re-sign key duo

Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Ben Kennedy has re-signed with the A-League club for a further two years, along with young forward James Virgili.

The Jets were the first professional football home for both Virgili, 20, and Kennedy, 25, and they will now add significantly to their 20 and 87 respective appearances for the side.

Virgili has appeared in all six of Newcastle’s A-League matches this season, while Kennedy has been sidelined for their past four matches due to knee surgery.

A Newcastle youth product, Virgili said he was thrilled to be rewarded with a contract to stay in the city of his birth.

“There is nothing better than playing for your home team so I am happy to be re-signing with the Jets,” Virgili said.

“I have been here for a few years now and I hope I can cement my spot in what is a competitive team.

“It is exciting what the Hunter Sports Group are doing with the club and what we are building at the Jets and I look forward to being a part of it.”

Kennedy – named Newcastle’s best player last season – said he was pleased the Jets backed him to recover from his recent ailment with an extended contract.

“It is great the club has shown faith in me given my recent injury,” Kennedy said.

“I am looking forward to getting back into training and playing and being a part of not just the season ahead, but at least the next two seasons after that.”

The Jets sit third on the table on 12 points, one behind joint leaders Central Coast and Adelaide, ahead of the visit of Wellington to Hunter Stadium on Sunday.