Match details
3.00 pm, Saturday, 23 March 2013
Henson Park
Browse moment-by-moment game action and game highlights in Gary Sutherland's photo gallery.
Game day raffle sponsors
Hawkins Butchery
BETA Seafoods
Billy Elliott & Bob Petersen
Balmain Historic Pub Tours
After match function was held at The VIC Hotel 2 Addison Rd, Enmore
The game was called LIVE by Alby Talarico, the Sultan of the Sideline, Tony Dosen and the "Chairman", Keith Payne from Henson Park. The Steele Sports team will be calling all Jets Sydney-based games so if you have to miss out on the Henson Park experience, keep that in mind.
Browse the 2013 Newtown Jets players & staff gallery
View NSW Cup ladder
The going gets tougher for new-look Jets
On a weekend which featured the most oppressive Rugby League playing conditions for many years, North Sydney's stronger second half ensured the Bears a 24-12 win against Newtown at Henson Park on Saturday.
Jets led into half-time
The Jets and Bears are now the only 1908 foundation clubs still playing in the VB NSW Cup, with Balmain and Western Suburbs having adopted the merged Wests Tigers entity. Newtown led 8-6 at half-time on Saturday and had the opportunities in the first half to establish a bigger lead.
A good crowd attended the Jets' first home game of the season despite the unseasonal humidity. Halfback Ryley Jacks, on debut for Newtown, put up a perfectly-placed high kick into the corner in the 13th minute, where winger Paul Rokolati leapt spectacularly to catch the ball and score.
Five minutes later the Bears responded with a converted try after Newtown had conceded a midfield penalty. Former Sea Eagle Michael Oldfield scored Newtown's second try from another virtuoso corner kick by Ryley Jacks. Neither Jets try was converted and Newtown led 8-6 at the break.
Bears took control in second half
The Bears took control of the game through two converted tries in the first ten minutes of the second half. Norths deployed a better downfield kicking game that saw Newtown repeatedly trying to grind their way from their own end of the field, while the Bears kick returns often brought play back to the midfield area.
Norths effectively won the battle of the forwards in the second half, utilising quicker play the balls that pushed the Jets defence backwards. The big Newtown forwards who had been so dominant two weeks before in Wollongong really felt the pinch of last Saturday's equatorial playing conditions.
Late changes to Newtown's starting line-up also impacted the Jets' teamwork.
Newtown fought back into the game to trail 18-12 with seven minutes remaining, when halfback Jacks engineered Newtown's third try with another accurate corner kick that resulted in a try to centre Usaia O'Sullivan. The Bears guaranteed their win with their fourth try just minutes before fulltime.
Player performances
The Jets were best served in the forwards by stand-in captain Andrew Pearn, Dylan Napa and Isaac Liu. Jack Bosden had his first game back from injury after last year's Grand Final triumph, while danger man Nafe Seluini was closely marked by the Bears.
Halfback Ryley Jacks showed that his pin-point corner kicks will be a potent attacking weapon for Newtown this season. Winger Paul Rokolati impressed again with his strong running and athleticism. Saturday's game was notable for the fact that it was the first time that a female referee has officiated in a VB NSW Cup competition match at Henson Park.
Next game
The Newtown Jets are away from home for the next three games and this Saturday, 30 March, take on the unbeaten Cronulla Sharks at Sharks Stadium, with the match timed for kick off at 3.10pm. This Sharks-Jets "West Side Story" encounter will be televised live on Fox Sports.
Match summary
Newtown Jets 12 [Paul Rokolati, Michael Oldfield, Usaia O’Sullivan tries}
North Sydney Bears 24 [4 tries, 4 goals]
Half-Time: Newtown led 8-6.
Officials: Referee, Kasey Badger; Touch judges, Jay Farlow and John Woods.
Weather: Sunny, very hot and humid, 30 degrees.
Playing surface: Excellent.
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