Newcastle Jets coach Mark Milligan is unsurprised by the growing speculation surrounding star striker Lachie Rose, stating the attention is a direct result of the player's outstanding form. With Rose off-contract and leading the A-League Men's scoring charts, rival clubs are circling ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Interest in Leading Scorer a 'Credit' to Rose
Milligan confirmed on Friday that he had not yet discussed the future with the 26-year-old forward, preferring to focus on the immediate task at hand. However, he acknowledged the reality of the modern game, where top performers naturally attract offers.
"Lachie is doing well," Milligan stated. "He just needs to keep doing what he is doing, and if he does, well then there's going to be interest from no more than just us. That's the way our game works, and that's a credit to him."
Rose, a Sydney product who previously played for Macarthur Bulls, has found prolific form since joining the Jets. After scoring nine goals in 83 appearances for his debut club, he has netted 14 times in just 30 games over the past two seasons in Newcastle. This campaign, he has six goals from 12 matches.
Jets Face Uphill Battle to Retain Star
The reported interest is substantial. Saturday night's opponents, Western Sydney Wanderers, are believed to be keen on Rose for next season. Furthermore, a column co-written by football analyst Robbie Slater in News Corp Australia this week indicated there is also attention coming from clubs in Asia.
While the Jets are desperate to keep their key man, Milligan admitted the club's budgetary constraints could make retention increasingly difficult. Rose's continued trajectory this season may ultimately price Newcastle out of the market.
Jokingly referencing the striker's status as the competition's leading scorer, Milligan added, "That's what happens when you're [the] leading goal-scorer. I never had that privilege."
Historic Away Streak on the Line Against Wanderers
Milligan's immediate focus is firmly on extending Newcastle's remarkable away form. The Jets recorded their fourth consecutive win on the road last week, a 1-0 victory over Melbourne City secured by a Lachie Rose goal. This set a new club record for an away winning streak.
That result propelled Newcastle up to fourth on the ladder, and they now have the chance to make it five straight away victories when they travel to face the Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium.
The coach was particularly impressed with his side's defensive grit and fighting spirit against City, qualities he demands as a non-negotiable standard. "It's not something that we really talk about a lot, because that's a given for us," Milligan explained. "We know that's there, we know that's in them and that's the minimum requirement."
However, he believes there is still room for improvement, especially in possession. "I don't think we were anywhere near our best with the ball, and that's a big requirement of the way we want to play. That's the challenge for the boys," he said.
Wanderers a Dangerous Opponent Despite Ladder Position
Despite the Wanderers sitting second-last on the A-League Men's table, Milligan is taking nothing for granted. Newcastle hasn't beaten Western Sydney since 2022, and their last away win against them came back in 2019.
"They've got a good squad. They've got some fantastic players," Milligan warned. "Obviously not the start to the year they wanted, but it's important for us to continue to get better at what we do. One good result is never enough for us."
He anticipates a fierce challenge from a home side eager to turn their season around. "They're at home, they're looking to turn things around, so it's going to be a big challenge. It's important we go with a mentality to dominate another game of football."
The clash promises high stakes for both clubs: for the Jets, a chance to cement their top-four spot and make history with a fifth away win; for the Wanderers, an opportunity to kickstart their campaign and potentially scout a future signing in Lachie Rose.
