Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina is happy with the start his team has managed after the first two rounds of the A-League season. The Jets managed a 1-1 away draw against Central Coast Mariners (who defeated reigning champions Melbourne Victory in round 1) on Friday night, backing up their own round 1 win, a 3-2 result over Wellington Phoenix.

Culina says a win and a draw has set them up nicely going forward into the season.

"You always want to get maximum points no matter who you play," Culina said. "In that respect, we are behind plans.

"But four points from two games, considering and I keep harping on about it the short preparation and injuries, is very pleasing."

The Jets face a tough month ahead (Gold Coast - home, Melbourne - away, Brisbane - home and Sydney - away) but Culina is confident the team can improve as the games begin to get harder.

"They do not get any easier, do they?" Culina said of the tough run.

"That's why it was vital to get something out of the first couple of games.

"The games can only get tougher because other teams will also improve, but I feel we have a bit more improvement than most.

"Over the next few weeks we have a couple of players coming back [from injury], we still have a spot to fill on the roster and a replacement player for Mako Jesic might be in place by then."