I see in the NewCastle herald Bernie IbinI has stopped answering his phone when NewCastle Jets shows up on incoming call...however the rest of the story is blocked (subs only)
Less than four weeks out from the start of the A-League, Newcastle Jets' hired gun Bernie Ibini is nowhere to be seen.
Ibini was again a no-show at training on Friday, despite assurances this week from the players union that the wantaway attacker would be on deck.
Under normal circumstances, the one-time Socceroo would be spearheading the Jets attack against Melbourne City in a pre-season hit out at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
But nothing has been normal about the Jets' preparation for the 2020-21 A-League campaign.
The transfer of ownership from Martin Lee to a new consortium is still awaiting the final tick. A new coach is also yet to be appointed. Both are flagged to occur in the next 10 days.
Meanwhile, Ibini, whose request for a release from the final year of his Jets contract was turned down, hasn't fronted for training since last Tuesday (November 24).
The 28-year-old has an exit clause in his agreement that allows a move overseas. However, a proposed deal in Thailand hasn't eventuated.
"He was supposed to be at training and he never appeared again," Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said on Friday. "Because he is not being considered for the game against Melbourne City tomorrow due to a lack of fitness, he will be expected at a gym session."
The players union are acting as a mediator between the disgruntled player and the Jets.
When contacted by the
Newcastle Herald on Friday, a players union spokesman said "we cannot comment on individual player matters".
The Jets have continued to pay Ibini's wages. Asked if the club would consider standing the player down McKinna said: " We may look into that. There is more to it than issuing a breach notice."
Ibini's recent absence followed 10 days stress leave last month.
His agent, James Hardy, hasn't returned calls or messages this week, but told the
Newcastle Herald last month: "Bernie is going through a lot and it is taking a toll on him physically and mentally," Hardy said. "He is quite stressed with everything that is going on and that is obviously affecting him."
Hardy acknowledged that Ibini has a contract which "he has to honour" but the agent added that little had changed at the Jets since his client sought a release.
Ibini, who has returned to Sydney to live with family, hasn't featured in any of the Jets' three pre-season games.