And now the 2016 Rugby League season gets underway ….

The Newtown Jets will play their first trial game for 2016 at Henson Park this Saturday, 6th February, against North Sydney at 4.00pm. The Jets pre-season training squad has been put through a rigorous summer training program that began back in early November. Saturday’s trial against the Bears gives the young Jets trialists the chance to stake their claims for a place in Newtown’s team for the opening round of the 2016 NSWRL NSW Cup competition.

Newtown’s other trial dates are:

Sunday, 14th February 2016; several Newtown players will be chosen in the Cronulla-Sutherland NRL trial squad that will play Manly-Warringah at Shark Park, to kick off at 5.00pm.

Saturday, 20th February 2016; NSW Cup Trial – Wests Tigers v Newtown, Campbelltown Stadium; kick-off at 5.00pm.

NSWRL VB NSW Cup – Round One:

Saturday, 5th March 2016; Henson Park; Newtown v Canterbury-Bankstown; kick-off at 4.00pm.

Newtown’s team for this Saturday’s trial against North Sydney is likely to be drawn from this pool of players: Fullbacks: Brendan Hiraka, Daniel Abou-Sleiman; Wingers: Eddy El-Zebaidieh, Levy Sopi; Centres: Corin Smith, Brent Anderson, Matt Evans; Halves: Jaline Graham, Arana Taumata, Saxon Onur, Michael Dent; Locks: Tesi Taliauli, Ahmad Ellaz; Back-rowers: Kenny Niko, Jason Schirnack, Tarek Elmasri, Tevita Vea; Front-rowers: Harrison Muller, Kurt Dillon, Malakai Houma, Treyvon Leuluai, Peni Botiki.; Hookers: Kurt Kara, Jake Jackson. It is anticipated that this Saturday’s trial match will be played over four twenty-minute quarters.

Get ready for the annual Newtown Jets Supporters Rally Day:

Date: Saturday, 27th February, 2016

Venue: Vic on the Park Hotel, 2 Addison Road, Marrickville

Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm

The attractions will include: Get to meet the 2016 Newtown Jets players and staff (plenty of photo opportunities); the ever-popular Jetman and Syd the Pig will both be there; jumping castle; ice-creams; give-aways; a DJ will be in attendance; all told it will be a fabulous afternoon for the kids to meet their very own Local Heroes – the Newtown Jets!

Details of the 2016 Newtown RLFC Season Launch:

Date: Tuesday, 1st March 2016

Venue: Petersham RSL Club, 7 Regent St, Petersham. Plenty of free parking, plus close proximity to trains, buses and taxis.

Time: 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Special guests to be announced soon.

The 2016 Rugby League season is well and truly with us, and the best way you can show your loyalty and support to Australia’s oldest Rugby League is by becoming a 2016 member by either joining up or renewing your membership. Revenue from annual memberships is a critical aspect of our club’s revenue stream. Please go this link to make your choice of 2016 Newtown Jets membership package: http://www.newtownjets.com/jets-membership-2016/

Rugby League Week magazine last year rated the Newtown Jets as the greatest Hipster Club in the world of Rugby League. Make sure you have some of your own cutting-edge Jets clothing and merchandise – go to: www.newtownjetsclothing.com.au to make your selection (you can purchase online).

Alberto Talarico, the legendary mine host of Alberto’s Pizzeria Restaurant at 589 King Street in South Newtown recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Everyone at the Jets sends congratulations and wishes Alberto good health and good fortune for the future.

Mario Facchini took these excellent photos recently at a Newtown Jets training session at Henson Park: http://mafphotography.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/2016-newtown-jets-preseason-training.html?spref=tw

You saw the film – now see the stage production …

Make a note of this special cultural event taking place later this year: The Final Winter by Matt Nable. Now adapted to the stage by Justin Brice. King Street Theatre, 644 King Street, Newtown. 30th August till 12th September – Ticketing details to be advised.

The winner of the Jets quiz in a recent newsletter (6th January 2016) wished to remain anonymous. The winning answer was: Fred Teasdell captained Newtown in their Return to Rugby League match on the 30th March 1991, and Stuart Raper captained Guildford, the opposing club that day.

This newsletter’s quiz question is: Who scored the first try for Newtown in the 2012 NSWRL VB NSW Cup Grand Final played at ANZ Stadium on 30th September 2012? Email your answers to jets@newtownjets.com The sender of the first correct answer received will win a top quality Newtown Jets cap from our merchandise store.

The following companies, organisations and individuals have committed to the Newtown RLFC for the 2016 season, and we are all very grateful for their assistance. Please give them your support in recognition of their generosity in helping to keep the Newtown Jets dream alive:

SCU – More Generous Banking; Petersham RSL Club; Nifty Foods; The Vic on the Park Marrickville; City Ford Rockdale; Invisi-Gard; Botany View Hotel; Good Fellows Sports; Golden Barley Hotel; The Henson; Charles Bailey Urbane Property Newtown; Undercover Music; Terry Akkari Plumbing Solutions; Ilias Design Group; Randwick-Petersham Cricket Club; Deicorp; F45 Training Newtown; Young Henrys; Hawkins Butchery; Billy Elliott and Bobby Petersen; Select Music; Hardi Aged Care; Coverforce; Discount Ski Tubes and Gear.

(SOURCE: Glen ‘Bumper’ Dwyer’s JETS Newsletter)