Newcastle Jets` new signing Emile Heskey believes he has a chance to play in his club's opening A-League game of the season against Adelaide United after arriving for his first training session in good fitness.

Heskey flew into Australia yesterday morning and joined his team-mates for an informal training session on the Hunter Stadium pitch later that afternoon after charming the media at a packed press conference.

"My fitness is not too bad. I have been doing a bit with (Wigan's) development group, their U-21s - they are young lads and they keep you fit," Heskey said.

"But I haven't played any games and everyone knows match fitness is different to training every day. But I spoke to everyone here and we will be working towards that first game. That is what we will be building for to see if I can play. I am here to play."

Heskey decided to head to Australia this month having left Aston Villa, following a career that had also taken in Leicester City, Liverpool, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic. He scored seven goals in 62 appearances for England.