With a cloud hanging over Newcastle's two big-name strikers, coach Clayton Zane says now is the time for youngster Adam Taggart to stand up and be counted.
The 20-year-old lit up Hunter Stadium with both goals in last week's dramatic 2-2 draw against Western Sydney.
And he has the chance to do it again on Sunday, when the Jets host high-flying Wellington Phoenix at the same venue.
Zane is likely to be without marquee player Emile Heskey, who will be given him until match day to prove his fitness after suffering back spasms during warm-up last week.
Also missing will be prized recruit Joel Griffiths, suspended for two matches following his bizarre post-game dismissal for dissent.
Zane admits their absence will be felt against a side that have won five of their past seven games.
"But I still feel within the squad there's enough depth," he said.
"We talked to the squad when we initially came in about everyone having a role to play - you just can't rely on one or two individuals."
A few players have been knocking on the door - but perhaps the loudest has been Taggart.
"He's desperate to lead the line," Zane said.
"He has in his head that he wants to eventually be someone who leads the line, so now's his moment to stand up and be counted. He's done that last week.
"We don't want to put him under too much pressure, but if he can stay in similar form to what he was against West Sydney then we've got a good player."
Ernie Merrick's Phoenix, who can crack the top six with a win, aren't without their own problems.
Kenny Cunningham and Michael Boxall have been sidelined through suspension, while influential midfielder Albert Riera was ruled out on Friday after injuring his groin at training.
Nevertheless, Zane is wary of Wellington's "off the cuff" style.
"They're a difficult team in that they have four or five players high up the pitch that can make a difference.
"... But I think it's a game where if we carry on from last week and keep that defensive structure, it's going to make like difficult for Wellington."
