Match details
3.05pm, Saturday, 12 February
Leichhardt Oval
Match report
The Newtown Jets were well beaten in their NSW Cup trial match against Canterbury-Bankstown played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs are the defending NSW Cup premiers and showed that they have the firepower and playing strength to throw out a strong challenge for this year's title. Canterbury won by 34-6 in a match that was played in three segments of around 25 minutes each.
The game was played in somewhat different climatic conditions to the inferno at Redfern Oval on the previous Saturday, with cool weather prevailing and light rain falling for most of this match.
Jets errors a telling factor
The Jets dropped far too much ball to be able to apply any extended pressure on the Bulldogs defence, and Newtown's own defensive performance was well below the standard displayed against South Sydney.
The Jets' completion rate for the match of just on forty per cent shows why Canterbury had a feast of possession and were able to score six tries to Newtown's one.
Player performances
Newtown was best served by front-rower and captain, Khalid Deeb, who set a good example to his younger team-mates.
Stylish centre, Francis Vaiotu, scored Newtown's only try and showed the poise and speed that will make him a player to watch this season.
Front-rower, Lama Tasi, a Roosters signing who was previously with the Ipswich Jets and Manly-Warringah, showed a lot of aggression and the willingness to do the hard yards. Tasi overstepped the disciplinary mark slightly last Saturday and was sent off in the third session of the game.
Next trial
The Jets return to Henson Park next Saturday, 19 February, for a NSW Cup trial match against Manly-Warringah that is timed to kick off at 5.00pm. This match will be preceded by curtain-raisers starting at 1.30pm.
Match summary
Newtown 6 [Francis Vaiotu try, Jamie Clark goal]
Canterbury-Bankstown 34 [6 tries; 5 goals]
Half-Time: Canterbury-Bankstown led 16-6.
Just too many errors by the Blues!
Newtown team sheet
Fullback | Daniel Cray |
Wingers | Michael Winchester, Tom Kerr |
Centres | Francis Vaiotu, Fred Latulipe |
Halves | Matthew Winchester, Josh Kent |
Lock | Boyd Strickland |
Back row | Ahmad Ellaz, Brad Barrett |
Front row | Francis Tuigamala, Khalid Deeb © |
Hooker | Jamie Clark |
Bench
Joey Taefu, Scott Jones, James Koloamatangi
Trent Trotter, Sione Taka, Ryan Verlinden
Brock Harmer, Chris Enahoro, Chris Afamasaga
Brett Lane, Nick Kassis
The following players will also be used on Saturday:
Matthew Stubbs (fullback, winger), (ex-Engadine)
Lama Tasi (front-rower), (ex-Manly-Warringah)
Kurt Kara (lock, hooker), (ex-Western Suburbs)
Dave Thomas (winger), (ex-Parramatta)
Waisesea Nayacalevu (Fijian centre, second-rower)
Injured
Tim Winitana (ex-Canterbury)
Isaac Maliota (ex-Roosters)
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