Jets make an impressive start to the 2020 season

Newtown Jets, the defending Canterbury Cup NSW premiers, defeated South Sydney 32-12 in the opening competition round played at Metricon High Performance Centre (Redfern Oval) on Sunday afternoon.

South Sydney opened the scoring with a converted try in the fourth minute and the Rabbitohs then dominated possession and territory for most of the first quarter.

The Jets took decisive control in the game’s second quarter with tries to Royce Hunt in the 19^th minute, Addison Demetriou (29^th minute), Jackson Ferris (33^rd minute) and the powerhouse Kayleb Milne on the stroke of halftime. Braydon Trindall converted all four tries for Newtown to take a commanding 24-6 lead into the break.

Predictably, South Sydney fought back hard in the second half but failed to breach the disciplined Jets defence. Souths had the advantage of the breeze in the second half but Newtown punished the Rabbitohs for a handling error at their own end, resulting in Teig Wilton racing in to score in the 57^th minute.

Braydon Trindall converted Wilton’s try and added a penalty goal in the 69^th minute, enabling Newtown to run out comfortable winners by 32-12.

Coach Greg Matterson praised his players in his post-match remarks, noting that this was Newtown’s first opening round win in several seasons. Matterson had made it clear to his pre-season squad that a slow start to the competition rounds (as in 2019) would not be countenanced.

Matterson commended those players on debut for the Jets on Sunday – John Olive, Zac Woolford, Kyle Paterson, Brock Gray and Royce Hunt.

He also praised those players on duty on Sunday who had played in one or both of Newtown’s 2019 finals victories – Jackson Ferris, Billy Magoulias (who reprised another of his miracle kicks yesterday), Braydon Trindall, Jayson Bukuya, Teig Wilton, Siosifa Talakai, Wes Lolo and Daniel Vasquez.

Newtown’s second round match is against Canterbury-Bankstown next Saturday, 21^st March at Belmore Sports Ground at 3.30pm.

Newtown 32:

Royce Hunt, Addison Demetriou, Jackson Ferris, Kayleb Milne, Teig Wilton tries;

Braydon Trindall 5 conversions and 1 penalty goal

defeated

South Sydney 12:
Blake Taaffe, Jaxson Paulo tries;

Blake Taaffe 2 conversions.

Halftime: Newtown led 24-6.

Referee: Cameron Paddy.

Assistant Referee: Kieren Irons

Touch Judges: Adam Cassidy and Patrick Mackey.

Playing surface: Excellent.

Weather: Mild, cloudy, 19 degrees. Heavy rain had fallen at intervals during the day. Southerly breeze.

Newtown’s team was:
Tyla Tamou, Jackson Ferris, Addison Demetriou, Jensen Taumoepeau, John Olive, Billy Magoulias, Braydon Trindall, Jayson Bukuya, Teig Wilton, Siosifa Talakai, Wes Lolo, Zac Woolford, Daniel Vasquez.

Bench: Kyle Paterson, Brock Gray, Royce Hunt, Kayleb Milne. Matt Stimson (reserve).

Coach: Greg Matterson.

South Sydney:

Corey Allan, Steven Marsters, Bryson Goodwin, Corey Denniss, Jaxson Paulo, Troy Dargan, Blake Taaffe, Bayley Sironen, Jack Johns, Keaon Koloamatangi, Ky Rodwell, Josh Cook, Tom Amone.

Bench: Bronson Garlick, Kurt Dillon, Patrice Siolo, Ben Talty, Trent Peoples, Jacob Gagai.

Coach: Ben Rogers.

Newtown’s next game:

NSWRL Canterbury Cup NSW – Second Round

Saturday, 21^st March 2020

Belmore Sports Ground

Canterbury-Bankstown v Newtown

Kick-Off: 3.30pm.