Double-header important for us – Newcastle’s Culina

Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina admits this week’s double-header is one of the most important parts of the season.

The Jets meet Wellington Phoenix in their postponed round 10 match tonight, which was deferred due to the New Zealand national team having an important World Cup qualifier three weeks ago, and then take on the North Queensland Fury in round 14 at home on Sunday.

As they currently sit on the bottom of the table, coach Culina understands just how vital these two matches will be in the context of the entire season.

“It is not really last because we have a game in hand so even if we pick up a point we will jump a couple of places," Culina said.

"We know that the next two games are really critical for us in terms of where we might be at the end of the year. If we were in the position that we picked up six points from these games we would be fourth on the table after the weekend.

"The whole idea is to see where we are and by Sunday's result I think we will have a better reflection."

The Jets are away at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium tonight – kick-off is at 8:00pm local time (6:00AEDT).