Newcastle Jets forgotten man Shaun Ontong is on the comeback trail after enduring an injury-plagued year.

The 22-year old former Joeys captain was happy to be back in action on the weekend in a trial match with the Jets against Sydney FC on Sunday.

"It has been such a long time since I played 90 minutes," Ontong told The Herald.

"It sounds strange, but it was good to be kicked and have stud marks down my legs from a game.

"I still have a long way to go and have a lot of improving to do.

"I made a few mistakes, which was mainly due to a lack of playing games, but I can fix that.

"You can train as much as you want, but until you get that match fitness it is a lot different."