Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond has revealed that his club cannot compete with the new cashed-up A-League franchises. Player retention at Newcastle is becoming more difficult as the two new clubs open their cheque books to sign quality payers from around the A-League.

The Jets have been hit hard recently with key players signing contracts at other clubs, mainly due to more attractive deals.

Adam Griffiths and Jade North are among five players to be on their way out of last seasons Championship side and van Egmond said his hands are tied when offering new contracts.

"I would have loved to have kept a number of players who have gone, but economics dictate that we can't do that," van Egmond told The Herald.

"We have the smallest budget. There is no getting away from that fact.

"It always comes down to economics," van Egmond added.

"Success can be great. Success can also be your worst enemy. As soon as you get success, your players become that more attractive. Every player who has left has looked to stay and accept less money.

"But because the money was that different, it became too hard for them to knock back. You cannot begrudge them that. There is only a certain lifespan to their football and they have to make the most of it.

"It is not as though there is $5000 difference. We are talking large amounts of money."