With scores level deep into the second half, the former Poland youth international announced his return to the park in style, netting a dramatic winner for the high-flying Phoenix in the 87th minute.
Zawada had been missing since December, having being sidelined for seven weeks with a thigh injury.
"It's amazing to come back and have such an impact," Zawada said after the match.
"I don't feel 100 per cent but I will get better. The most important thing is, when I get a chance I will score."
Tonight's winning goal 😎— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) Welcome back Oskar Zawada �#COYN! 🔥https://t.co/SAVRs4aeWc | 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/VOcwMEUR2fJanuary 27, 2024
Phoenix drew first blood at the Jets' McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, after a poor foul by Mark Natta gifted the visitors an early penalty which Alex Rufer calmly converted.
Newcastle goalkeeper Ryan Scott kept his side in the game as Wellington poured forward looking for a second, denying substitute Ben Old and Nicholas Pennington within seconds.
Trent Buhagiar entered the fray in the 67th minute and scored 13 minutes later to draw the hosts level.
But the Phoenix were unwilling to share the points, and Zawada stalled the Jets' engines seven minutes later to send his side two points clear of Melbourne Victory at the top.Â
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