The Jets, who opened the season with back-to-back wins but then lost two in a row, are back at McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday afternoon and things won't get any easier with firing unbeaten leaders Melbourne City their next opponents.
Meanwhile, there were some promising signs as a new-look Jets women's side had their first hit-out against A-League opposition in a trial game against Western Sydney on Saturday.
Newcastle open their 2022-23 campaign on the road against Brisbane on November 19 in the wake of a sprint-like, five-week pre-season.
The Jets' four American signings all showed their worth in the 2-2 draw with the Wanderers.
They play Sydney in a second and final trial game this weekend.
Keeping world tour hopes alive
Sitting 10th before the penultimate contest of the CS and just inside the qualification line for a Championship Tour return next year, Cibilic's points from Brazil will improve his tally ahead of the series finale in Hawaii from November 26.
Ahead of Brazil, Baum was 13th on the standings and needing a huge result to break into the top five. She will rise two places but only two of the five CT spots remain up for grabs with one CS event remaining.
First piece of NDCA silverware to be decided
Wests are striving for a third straight Tom Locker Cup crown while Stockton are featuring in their first final since last holding the trophy aloft in 2008-09.
New faces for Knights staff
"Anyone that's not familiar with Brian, it won't take you long to get to know what sort of man he is," O'Brien said.
"He's won four titles with Leeds; so he knows what winning looks like, he has had to start up a franchise in Toronto, but what you see with him is what you get.
"He will be very strong culturally with standards. He will be great for our group, he's a man's man, and he will be great for me."
And the tries kept coming for Knights winger Dominic Young on the world stage.
Young is playing for the hosts, who are also headed for a semi-final appearance.
What else happened
The Blasters were convincing in all three games played over two days on the Central Coast.
The finals will be contested in February at a yet to be determined venue.
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