Jobe Wheelhouse leaves Newcastle Jets, will take rest of season off Jobe Wheelhouse on the ball for the Jets. UPDATE: NEWCASTLE Jets captain Jobe Wheelhouse has announced his shock departure from the A-League club. When the 27-year-old was told he wouldn't be re-signed for next season, he decided to leave the club immediately. ``It goes without saying that I am disappointed I won't be at the Jets anymore," Wheelhouse said in a statement. ``Over the last six to 12 months my head hasn't been it in like it should be, and this will now give me a chance to get away and plan my future. ``There is no point being at a place when my heart isn't in it and the last thing I want to do is let down my teammates. ``I am good mates with all of the boys and I wish them only the best for the future. ``Hopefully they will make the six and go deep into the finals this year. The midfielder was expected to announce he was joining Melbourne Heart for the remainder of the season with the retirement of former Socceroo Vince Grella earlier this week creating an opening. But Wheelhouse said he has knocked back Heart's offer and would be taking the rest of the season off. A local boy who has played his entire career in Newcastle, Wheelhouse's future at the A-League club has been the subject of considerable speculation over the past few weeks. The Jets had insisted they would not release their skipper mid-season but, at the same time, refused to say if he would be offered a new deal when his current contract expired. One-club man Wheelhouse has made 105 A-League appearances for the Jets. Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby thanked Wheelhouse for his contribution to the club. ``This hasn't been an easy process and we hoped Jobe would play out the remainder of the season," Middleby said.