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Rd14 - Jets beat Morrie Breen hoodoo [40-6]

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Match details

3.00 pm, Sunday, 16 June 2013

Morrie Breen Oval, Wallarah Rd, Wyong [Gorokan]

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Competition newcomers blown away by Newtown's shock and awe tactics

The Wyong Kangaroos joined the VB NSW Cup for the 2013 season and have defied the more pessimistic predictions as to their performances in their debut season.

At home at the Morry Breen Oval on Sunday, Wyong was decisively beaten by one of the competition's form teams, the Newtown Jets. The defending premiers defeated Wyong 40-6, after leading 26-0 at halftime.

Newtown's forward pack has been most impressive in recent weeks and took control early in Sunday's match, forcing Wyong to play much of the first quarter in their own territory.

The Jets were well in command as winger Usaia O'Sullivan registered two tries and halfback Ryley Jacks and in-form front-rower Kane Evans scored a try each. Left-side winger Paul Rokolati added another try just prior to halftime and with his three conversions from five attempts, Newtown led 26-0. The Jets had a 65% share of possession in the first half and the penalties went Newtown's way by 7-1.

At half-time...

Jets coach Greg Matterson impressed on his players to go in for the kill and to maximise their points for tally. "Don't take your boots off their throats" was basically the command for the second half.

No doubt many of the Newtown supporters who had made the northern trek remembered several less than successful visits to the Morry Breen Oval in recent seasons, admittedly against opponents other than Wyong.

Second half continues success of first half

The Jets added three more tries in the second half, with O'Sullivan claiming his third and Rokolati scoring two more, ensuring that both Newtown flankmen scored hat-tricks. Newtown then had to sustain a fightback by the Wyong team, who showed no lack of courage and determination in taking the contest right back to the bigger Newtown pack.

Inevitably after having led 26-0 at halftime there was some reduction in intensity by the Newtown team, with some evidence of overly-adventurous ball play, loose carries and some careless play the balls. The Jets completed 12 out of 19 sets in the second half and the penalty pendulum swung 5-2 to Wyong.

Coaching assessment

The Newtown coaching staff made mention of the tremendous effort put in by all the Jets forwards, both in possession and in brutalising the Wyong ball-carriers. Dylan Napa was a late withdrawal and hardman Josh Ailaomai had the rare distinction of being put on report twice - and then being cleared of the charges on the Monday. Ryley Jacks controlled play well from halfback and the two wingers O'Sullivan and Rokolati deserve special mention for their three tries apiece.

Next game

The Newtown Jets make a welcome return to Henson Park next Saturday (22nd June) for what is shaping up as the VB NSW Cup match of the season thus far. Newtown's opponents are the undefeated Cronulla Sharks and even though both clubs are affected by State of Origin selections, this match really is the Jets v Sharks West Side Story rumble par excellence. Kick-off time at Henson Park this Saturday is 3.00pm.

Match summary

Newtown Jets 40 [Usaia O'Sullivan 3, Paul Rokolati 3, Kane Evans, Ryley Jacks tries; Paul Rokolati 4 goals]
Wyong Roos 6 [1 try; 1 goal]

At half time Newtown led 26-0.

The weather was fine. There was a slight westerly breeze which dropped off during the second half. The playing surface was good.

A special moment...

The game's over, the players make their way to the sheds, with Tinirau Arona flanked by his amazing little twin sons - they're even walking in step with their father!

A great shot by Sara Leonard capturing the genuine humanity of Rugby League footballers.

Morrie Breen Oval and the Jets

The Wyong Roos joined the NSW Cup competition this year and play out of Morrie Breen Oval - not a happy hunting round for the Newtown Jets.

We suffered consecutive defeats at the ground in 2009, against the Central Coast Storm, Melbourne's feeder team, and in 2010 and 2011 we went down to the Central Coast Centurions, the Newcastle Knights feeder team.

Then, on Sunday 16 June 2013, WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!


Who played

1 Henare Wells
Sponsored by Karl Cope
15 Usaia O'Sullivan [T3]
Sponsored by Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville
3 Yileen 'Buddy' Gordon
Sponsored by Charles Bailey, Ray White Inner West
4 Michael Oldfield
Sponsored by Wyong Golf Club Brasserie
5 Paul Rokolati [T3 G4]
Sponsored by Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville
2 Adam Henry
Sponsored by John Cahill
7 Ryley Jacks [T1]
Sponsored by The VIC Hotel, Enmore
8 Ray Moujalli
Sponsored by Craig Leonard
9 Kurt Kara
Sponsored by Botany View Hotel
10 Kane Evans [T1]
Sponsored by Jeff Gabriel
11 Tinirau Arona
Sponsored by Jennifer Malone
12 Brad Barrett
Sponsored by Craig Stephens
21 Lama Tasi
Sponsored by Barry Vining

Interchange

14 Andrew Pearn
Sponsored by BRI Ferrier
16 Josh Ailaomai
Sponsored by Dave Nelson
17 Saulala Houma
Sponsored by Steve Helmich
18 Nafe Seluini
Sponsored by Patrick Zahra & Alan Bell

Coach: Greg Matterson
Sponsored by INVISI-GARD, Car Care Products