The Jets are in the hunt for an experienced gloveman to replace Ben Kennedy, who ruptured his Achilles tendon at training on Wednesday - and Covic fits the bill.

The 41-year-old has played 184 A-League games at the Jets, Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory, where he played every minute last season.

The Jets are also understood to have sounded out Australian under-19s and Tottenham teenager Tom Glover.

The 196cm 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in the country, but lacks experience... which is something Covic has in bucketloads.

A former Socceroo, he was instrumental in Wanderers' 2014 Asian Champions League success, awarded man of the match in the second leg of the final.

Covic joined several members of the Jets championship side at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday for the season opener and told the Newcastle Herald a return was a "real possibility".

"I have spoken to [coach] Mark Jones and [football operations manager] Joel Griffiths," he said. "Obviously I need to discuss it further with my family. My intention at the end of last season was to keep playing. I don't think I'm done yet. There would be some symmetry in coming back to Newcastle and finishing in the A-league where I started. Again I will talk to my family."

Covic's family, wife Linda and children Emelie, 10, and Christopher, 8, live in southern Sydney. They remained there when he joined Perth last season.

"The family is settled in Sydney but Newcastle is only a couple of hours up the road," Covic said.

Covic is working as an analyst with Fox Sports and has done some coaching for NSW Football.

"Although not with a club, I have been ticking over in case something popped up," he said. "I have been a professional for 20 years. I know my body and what it can handle. It wouldn't take me long to get up to speed."

Griffiths said they hoped to sign a replacement before the visit by Brisbane Roar on Sunday.