The Newcastle Jets have brought Wellington Phoenix’s unbeaten start to 2026 to an end with a convincing 4–1 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium, striking inside the opening minute before pulling away in the second half.
Despite an end-to-end first half in which the Phoenix created numerous chances and dominated spells of play, they were unable to beat Jets goalkeeper James Delianov until late in the match.
Newcastle extended their lead after the break through Clayton Taylor and Eli Adams, effectively putting the contest beyond reach, before debutant Sander Kartum scored a consolation goal for Wellington. Xavier Bertoncello sealed the result late on as the Jets moved level atop the A-League ladder, while the Phoenix slipped to eighth, with coach Giancarlo Italiano encouraged by his side’s attacking intent despite defensive lapses proving costly.
