NEWCASTLE Jets wonder boy Ben Kantarovski is not overwhelmed by the prospect of making his A-League debut at the age of 15.

Most boys Kantarovski's age only dream of playing alongside and against some of their heroes.

But that could become a reality for the Lambton High School student after he signed a four-year contract with the Jets on Friday.

Kantarovski turns 16 on Sunday, and if he takes the park against Perth Glory at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Friday night, he will set a new mark as the youngest to play in the A-League.

"I'd love the chance to come off the bench this week," the youngster said yesterday after completing his first recovery session as a contracted player.

"I have been training with the squad for a while now and played against men for Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW State League.

"Obviously [the A-League] would be a lot bigger step.

"The players are quicker and stronger, but I enjoy training with the men.

"It is always challenging, and I am always learning new things."

Jets coach Gary van Egmond will not announce his squad for the final regular-season game until Thursday.

But there is no doubt the Jets mentor believes Kantarovski is up to it.

"There is a chance that he could feature on the bench this weekend," van Egmond said.

"He has some wonderful skills, and for someone who is so young he is really mature as a footballer.

"He has been training with the group all season and is comfortable in the surroundings. He is very forward for his years and is doing very well within the group.

"If you look at that, you think he is worth a chance."

If he plays, Kantarovski would take the youngest-player record from former Queensland Roar midfielder David Williams, who was 17 years and 328 days old when he came off the bench in the 2-1 win over Sydney in round 19 of the inaugural season.

Daniel Watkins holds the all-time national league record. He was 14 years and 268 days old when he came off the bench for Parramatta Eagles in a 2-1 loss to Morwell in 1995.

Others to make their national league debut before their 16th birthday include Nick Carle (15 years and 316 days), John Aloisi (15 years and 285 days) and Scott McDonald (15 years and 212 days).

It is not just on the football field that Kantarovski has learned to rise above his age.

He is also a year ahead at school and will start year 11 this month.

"School is important," Kantarovski said. "I was in year 10 last year, but was only meant to be in year 9.

"I enjoy school and hanging out with my mates. You need time away from football to have your own life.

"I'd like to get into university and study sports science or something along those lines."

Van Egmond is also aware of not pushing Kantarovski too hard and will program his schedule accordingly.

"We are very mindful of what we do with him," he said.

"We want to make sure he gets a decent footballing education. That is first and foremost, and we really believe he can offer something to the team.

"He is so far in front of everyone else his age in the area, possibly in the country."

Kantarovski knocked back approaches from the Australian Institute of Sport to join the Jets and will be one of three under-20 players alongside James Holland and Jason Hoffman at the club.

"We want to ensure we provide a pathway for Newcastle kids and give them an opportunity in their own backyard," van Egmond said.