The Rockets failed to withstand a second-half onslaught from the Newcastle Jets as they crashed to a 9-1 defeat at McKellar Park last night.

But while the Jets ran free late in the game, Graham has no doubt regular competition against the best players in Australia will improve the sport in the capital.

His wish could be granted as early as September with Capital Football in negotiations with the Perth Glory to play a pre-season match in Canberra.

An under-20s Rockets team will also play the Central Coast Mariners in September and Capital Football is trying to resurrect the Illawarra Challenge to give players an increased exposure to the representative level.

''We're hoping to rejuvenate the Rockets, it would be great if more A-League teams would like to come down here and play against us,'' Graham said.

''I've already asked all of the guys and they've said they would love to [play more often].

''It gives them something to aim for and something to look up to while they're playing in the regular season.

''You can't fault the effort of anyone out there tonight.''

The Rockets gave the Jets an early scare in the pre-season fixture.

After Newcastle star Ryan Griffiths opened the scoring in just the fifth minute, Cooma striker Alex Oloriegbe was gifted a chance to score by a woeful error in the Jets' defence.

The score remained locked at 1-1 for the next 20 minutes but the Jets' superior fitness and finesse gave them an advantage.

Graham said the Jets' ''sharpness'' was too much for his team to handle.

It showed in the second half as Griffiths completed a hat-trick, veteran Michael Bridges scored a double and the Jets slotted six second-half goals to cruise to victory.

Around 1200 fans - largely made up of Kanga Cup participants - braved the Canberra cold to watch the match.

Capital Football is still trying to lock in a fixture to help celebrate Canberra's centenary next year and it is hoped Football Federation Australia will recognise the milestone with a worthy match.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond said his side's A-League preparation was on track after the demolition of the Rockets.

''It wasn't just about the game, it was getting away with the players and using the AIS facilities with players living with each other, so they're used to each other on and off the football park,'' van Egmond said.

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NEWCASTLE JETS 9 (Ryan Griffiths 5', 24', 85', James Brown 27', Craig Goodwin 51', Michael Bridges 60', 90' pen, James Virgili 79', Mitch Oxborrow 91') bt ACT ROCKETS 1 (Alex Oloriegbe 8') at McKellar Park last night. Crowd: 1200.