Newcastle Jets coach Richard Money has cancelled the club's two practice games over the Christmas break to keep his players fresh for their New Year's Eve A-League derby with Central Coast.

The Jets were scheduled to travel to Sydney to play NSW State League sides Sydney United and Bankstown Lions during the current three-week break, but Money pulled the pin on both games given the importance of the Mariners match at Central Coast Stadium.

"I've had a rethink about travelling to Sydney for trial games, instead I've decided that it would be of much more benefit for the players to stay in Newcastle," Money said.

"Tactically, physically and mentally it is important the players regroup and focus on what we set out to do."

Placed third on the ladder with just six rounds remaining, the Jets will return to training next Monday after a week off.

"We have played some good entertaining football and collected some valuable points in the process," Money said of the season so far.

"I have total faith in my players' ability to confront any challenges ahead of us, equally any opposing team in the league."

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