Newcastle Jets have re-signed Ben Kantarovski and Jacob Pepper just a day after capturing the signature of the league's leading goal-scorer Adam Taggart.
Newcastle Jets have re-signed Ben Kantarovski and Jacob Pepper just a day after capturing the signature of the Hyundai A-League's leading goal-scorer Adam Taggart.
Kantarovski and Pepper have both agreed to new two-year deals, which will see the pair stay at Hunter Stadium until the end of the 2015-16 season.
At just 21 years of age, Kantarovski has already played 75 A-League games for the Jets and after overcoming knee injuries, which restricted him to just four appearances last season, the midfielder was rapt to commit his immediate future to the club.
"It's really exciting," Kantarovski said.
"I've missed a lot of football, so this is another chance to get out there and play for Newcastle for another two years."
Pepper has been a fringe player with the Jets, managing just 39 matches since debuting for them in 2010; although the 21-year-old has started Newcastle's last two games.
But despite his lack of opportunities, the local product was happy to remain at home.
"It's great that I'll be here for another two years," Pepper said.
"It's always good to play for your home club and growing up it was always something that I aspired to do."
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby was very pleased to have secured the services of Kantarovski and Pepper for at least the next two seasons.
"Ben and Jacob are great individuals on and off the field and we are really pleased two young local players will continue their careers at the Jets," Middleby said.
"Ben is in great form and we believe his best football is ahead of him while Jacob's versatility and commitment are an asset to the club.
"Both players epitomise that Newcastle spirit."
The Jets are next in action against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night in a crunch clash that could see the winner go up to second spot on the ladder.