Former Wellington Phoenix defender Karl Dodd is on trial with Newcastle Jets in a bid to resurrect his career.

The 28-year old has had a frustrating run in recent seasons and is hoping the Jets can be the club where he can bounce back and prove many doubters wrong.

"I've spoken to a few other clubs as well, but I'm just making sure I make the right decision this time," Dodd said.

"I want to be in an environment that is competitive and everyone wants to win. I just think they [Phoenix] are in an early phase as a club and just getting set up and still have players getting established.

"I suppose that took a lot out of me not having that competitive will to win I'm a competitive person by nature."

Dodd added that he believes the Jets are ready to improve greatly on a disappointing 2008/09 season where they suffered an enormous premiership hangover, finishing last.

"The boys went from winning the grand final and then lost a lot of players and went through a rebuilding phase last year, so I don't think coming last was a true justification of what this squad is capable of," he said.

"It looks really competitive and the boys have been good so far."