DANIEL Piorkowski is only guaranteed three more weeks as a Newcastle Jet and admitted yesterday he felt like he was in limbo.
The former Melbourne Victory defender joined the Jets as an eight-week injury replacement for Shaun Ontong and made his debut against Sydney FC on September 13.
His contract expires in three games time on November 6.
At this stage his future is far from settled as no extension deal has yet to be tabled by the Jets.
"We had a brief chat, nothing official though. I'm not sure where I stand at the moment as far as this season is concerned," Piorkowski said.
Piorkowski, 24, made a fine debut against Sydney FC, besides copping an ugly elbow from former Socceroos striker John Aloisi, which nearly dislodged several teeth.
He has earned the respect of Jets fans with his steadying influence in defence and he has added plenty of height at the back with his 187-centimetre frame.
Although he has looked to have slipped into the Jets' style of play effortlessly, Piorkowski said his uncertain future was weighing heavy on his mind.
"The last four weeks feel like I'm on bit of a trial. I'm here on a short-term deal and you've got to be careful with injuries as well and make sure your form is good," he said.
"So there's a little bit of pressure not knowing what the future is going to hold every player likes a bit of security and stability.
"I've sort of been in limbo for the last four or five months. It's part of being a footballer I suppose, you've got to take the good with the bad. You're going to go through times where there's uncertainty."
One aspect of playing for the Jets Piorkowski is relishing is being able to play under coach Gary van Egmond.
Piorkowski has done his best to soak up as much as he can from the A-League championship-winning coach in a short space of time.
"Gary has a particular way he likes defenders to play out, so there's a lot to teach and Gary's in the process of teaching me a lot of new things," he said.
"He's big on the technical side of your game and he works very hard with the players to use their talents to the best of their ability."
Van Egmond admitted last week that Saturday night's home match against A-League leaders Melbourne was the beginning of a must-win trifecta, which also includes matches against Central Coast (away) and Queensland (home).
In round three, the Victory destroyed the Jets 5-0 at the Telstra Dome.
Piorkowski had not joined the Jets at that stage, but now as a member of the squad he said he was highly motivated to turn the result around.
That motivation is doubled by the fact Piorkowski played 30 games for the Victory during the first three seasons of the A-League.
"I think we've got a point to prove," Piorkowski said.
"They're [Victory] an outstanding team, but we're not going to be intimidated by that.
"Every team can be beaten on their day. Victory are obviously on top of the ladder but we've shown positive signs over the last couple of weeks."