NEWCASTLE JETS are hoping to get the band back together, with Gary van Egmond set to be unveiled as their coach today and former star player Joel Griffiths tipped to join him at the club.

Van Egmond and Griffiths were the driving forces behind the Jets championship success in 2008 before both controversially left the club the following season. Van Egmond broke his contract to take an offer to join the coaching staff at the Australian Institute of Sport, and Griffiths cancelled his contract as a marquee player to leave for China.

Newcastle old boy … former Jets star Joel Griffiths. Credit:Ryan Osland

Now van Egmond and Griffiths could be reunited as the Jets' new owner, Nathan Tinkler, looks to pick up the pieces from his stunning decision to sack coach Branko Culina and his son, marquee player Jason Culina, four days from the start of the season. Youth team coach Craig Deans has taken charge of Newcastle for the first two rounds but made it clear he wasn't interested in the job on a permanent basis.

Van Egmond has quit his post as assistant coach at the AIS to return to Newcastle, where he has kept his family home at Lake Macquarie, and is expected to be in the dugout for the F3 derby against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday. Griffiths, 32, is under contract to Beijing Guoan until the end of next month but could make the October 31 transfer deadline if the clubs reach an agreement.