The Jets have granted Jonny Steele indefinite leave after he failed to train on Wednesday.
The Newcastle Jets have granted Northern Irish import Jonny Steele indefinite leave for reasons the club have not made public.
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The 28-year-old arrived at the Jets in the off-season and started the first two matches of the regular season against Central Coast and Melbourne City.
Steele was then dropped for the Jets’ 4-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix, before a calf issue ruled him out for the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Perth Glory last weekend.
Jets manager Phil Stubbins told the Newcastle Herald that the player would be given time off after failing to train on Wednesday.
“The player has requested a little bit of leave of absence, and after speaking with the player, and considering our duty of care as a club, we’ve decided that it’s a warranted request,” Stubbins said.
“It will remain in confidence between the player and the club where it’s at. That’s probably all I’d be prepared to say at this point in time.”
Stubbins refused to divulge into the reasons for Steele’s absence.
“Out of respect for the player, I don’t really want to go into too much detail, to be honest,” Stubbins said.
“We’ve not put a definite period on here. Everyone is trying to do the right thing here, and that’s where it’s at.”
Newcastle will be searching for its first win in its opening home game of the season this weekend, but face a stern test against ladder leaders Melbourne Victory.