Max Burgess has been confirmed as Newcastle Jets’ new captain for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season, with Joe Shaughnessy appointed vice-captain.
Mark Milligan’s side were on the lookout for a new skipper following the departure of former captain Kosta Grozos, with the Jets ultimately handing the armband to Burgess following an impressive campaign back in the Hunter.
The 31-year-old initially joined the Jets for the 2014/15 season and returned to the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after a tumultuous time with Sydney FC and quickly established himself as a mainstay in the Jets’ midfield.
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 22: Max Burgess of the Jets controls the ball during the round 22 A-League Men match between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium, on March 22, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
A Man of the Match display from Burgess helped the Jets defeat Heidelberg United to win the 2025 Australia Cup before Milligan’s side then sealed a first first ever Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers Plate, ensuring they finished the season with a two piece of silverware.
“We spoke about it a couple weeks ago. It’s a huge honour and privilege to lead this group,” Burgess said when speaking to media on Thursday.
“I think as a player and as a human, you’re always learning. I took a lot out of last year. I think everyone did.
“But in terms of our ethos and mentality, everything’s the same. We’ve added a lot of quality as well, so that’s sort of a real bonus for us.
“But the mentality of this group is only going to improve, and we’re only going to be better for all the experiences we had last year.”
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The Jets are now turning their attention to the opening game of their AFC Champions League Elite campaign, which sees them take on J1 League side Kashima Antlers on Tuesday.
“Yeah, everyone’s like super excited,” Burgess said, as the squad prepare to travel to Japan on Friday.
“We’ve put a lot of work out there on the training field, and as I said, we’ve got some great additions to the squad.
“So I think the overall sensation is excitement.”
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NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Max Burgess of the Jets with the ball and Jonty Bidois of Auckland FC in defence during the round 21 A-League Men match between Newcastle Jets and Auckland FC at McDonald Jones Stadium, on March 14, 2026, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Asked how the team’s pre-season preparations have changed due to their upcoming ACL Elite commitment, Burgess says the side feels ready to showcase their abilities against some of Asia’s best.
“It’s a little bit different to last year because we had the cup run. But I think with everything, there’s advantages in things,” Burgess said.
“I think that’s given us a bit more time to sort of gel as a team to put the work out there on the field to get a really good training block, so I think we’re in we’re in a good position.
“I think there’s sort of a quiet confidence amongst the group, but we’ve got to earn it, and I think there’s a real hunger amongst the boys.”
Following their clash with Kashima Antlers the Jets then welcome fellow J1 League side Gamba Osaka to McDonald Jones Stadium on October 13 before they kick off their Premiership defence with an away trip to rivals Central Coast Mariners four days later.
Slated to face five Japanese teams in total during their ACL Elite campaign, the Jets will also come against some familiar A-Leagues faces in the shape of Championship winners Kevin Muscat and Nick Montgomery, who now coach Chinese Super League sides Shanghai Port and Beijing FC respectively.
