Emerging Jets star Brinley Gentle is showing no signs of slowing her impressive goal scoring run down which sees her sitting top of the golden boot standings in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition.
The 17-year-old striker has been the go-to player for the Jets, scoring 8 goals in just 10 games so far this season.
The young phenomenon has been amazed by all the success she’s had thus far this year.
“It’s a bit surreal actually.
“If we get to the end of the season and I do win the golden boot, which is what I want to do, it’d be a pretty crazy story.”
Gentle remains very humbled by her achievements, maintaining that she is just doing all she can in her role to help the team.
“As a striker, your job is to score goals and that’s what I am wanting to do week in week out for the club.”
Despite all of Gentle’s goal scoring success, the Jets are yet to record a win in 2023. They have just one point after a 0-0 draw with Manly in round 7.
It is not an ability or effort problem, rather their struggles come down to youth and inexperience according to Gentle.
“There are small moments in the game where we switch off or our positioning is off, especially with counter attacks.
“It’s hard to stay switched on for the full 90 minutes of the game whereas the older more experienced players have done it a lot more often.”
The Jets have suffered a few unlucky losses according to Gentle, but she believes that results will come if the team can stay patient and focussed.
Still in high school, the rising star competed at the Combined High Schools Championships last week (9-11 May).
It was a good week for Gentle, who helped her Hunter team win the Bronze Medal and was then selected in the CHS first team who will compete in the NSW All Schools tournament later this year.
“It’s confidence building to win a few games and hopefully take that back to every weekend with the Jets.”
Gentle is the longest serving player in the Jets squad, having been at the club since it started 10 years ago.
She is hoping to be a role model for younger girls at the club, just as she admired many of the Jets NPL and A-League Womens players growing up.
Gentle is hoping to use this momentum as she hopes to score an opportunity soon playing in the A-Leagues Womens competition.
“This is the very start of where I want to go.”
Whilst she would love to stay local and play for the Newcastle Jets, she would jump at any chance that presented itself.
With her clear talent and strong work ethic, Brinley Gentle is sure to be on the radar for teams in need of a consistent striker.
-By Annabelle Banfield