Newtown centre Samisoni Langi struggles with two Manly-Warringah defenders, with his Jets team-mates Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Tautau Moga in the background.
Newtown centre Samisoni Langi struggles with two Manly-Warringah defenders, with his Jets team-mates Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Tautau Moga in the background.

RD8b – Manly prevails in a tight struggle against the Jets [16-18]

Report on the Round 8B VB NSW Cup match between Newtown and Manly-Warringah, played at Henson Park on Saturday, 3rd May 2014.

Newtown’s grim Rugby League season continued when the Jets lost 18-16 to Manly-Warringah at Henson Park last Saturday. The Sea Eagles led 6-0 at half-time and the second half turned into a gripping battle between two teams desperate to break away from the back end of the competition table. The Jets scored three tries to two in the second half and mounted a desperate attacking onslaught in the dying minutes of the game, but Manly’s defence held strong when it was most needed.

The first half was a rugged contest and the opening points weren’t scored until the 26th minute, when the Sea Eagles raced away for a long-distance try after a Newtown kick had been charged down. Manly went in at the break with that 6-0 lead. Both teams registered high completion rates in the first half and showed real commitment in defence. Several try-scoring opportunities went begging for the Jets when they opted for unproductive kicks rather than taking on the stretched Manly defensive line.

Centre Josh Davis, on debut for the Jets, scored in the fifth minute of the second half . Halfback Arana Taumata’s conversion from the left sideline enabled Newtown to draw level at 6-all. Manly capitalised on a midfield turnover ten minutes later and scored a converted try. The elusive Taumata skirted the sideline when he scored in the 18th minute, but his conversion attempt (from virtually the same spot as his previous attempt) hit the left-hand upright and bounced away.

Newtown’s completion rate fell away in the second half and although the Jets ended with a penalty tally of 7-1 in their favour, their errors and fruitless kicking options undermined the benefit of much of the possession they had. By contrast the Sea Eagles maintained their level of ball control from the first half. The Sea Eagles increased their lead to 18-10 and looked to have the result locked up, but Taumata scored a brilliant individual try in the 77th minute when he took a quick tap from a penalty 35 metres out. Sio Siua Taukeiaho’s hurried conversion made it 18-16 to the Sea Eagles with less than two minutes left to play. The Jets threw everything into a thrilling last-minute attacking surge but time ran out on them.

Jets coach Greg Matterson  pointed to Newtown’s last play options and the lack of vision displayed when there were opportunities to run the ball as being key factors in this narrow defeat. The Jets coaching staff praised the effort put in by all the forwards, with Saulala Houma and Kurt Kara receiving special mention. In the backs Josh Davis was solid on debut and Samisoni Langi and Tautau Moga turned in much improved performances.

There were several distinguished guests in attendance at Henson Park on Saturday, including Nigel Wood, the Chief Executive Officer of the English Rugby League and recently voted in as the Chairman of the Rugby League International Federation. Other special guests included Graeme Thompson from the Scottish Rugby League and the Rugby League European Federation, along with Jon Roberts, the Performance and Coaching Director of the English Rugby League.

This Saturday, 10th May, sees the first leg of the 2014 Frank Hyde Shield series, with Newtown hosting old-time adversaries North Sydney in a 9th Round NSW Cup fixture that is timed for kick-off at 3.00pm. There is also a NSW Cup curtain-raiser at Henson Park next Saturday, with the Cronulla Sharks playing Wentworthville at 1.00pm.

Photo: Gary Sutherland Photography.

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Canberra Raiders Sat 30th March, 2024

Newtown's fullback on Sunday was Liam Ison, who was making his NSW Cup debut for the Jets. He had an outstanding game, including scoring the try that enabled Newtown to draw level with Western Suburbs in the 76th minute. Photo: Mario Facchini (mafphotography)

Newtown Jets snatch victory with a last-minute field goal

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Wests Magpies Sun 24th March 2024

Tough Newtown forward Brad Fearnley is a real crowd favourite at Henson Park, and he worked doubly-hard in the Jets' exciting win against the Canterbury Bulldogs last Friday.
Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography

Jets work hard to take the points against the Canterbury Bulldogs

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Canterbury Bulldogs Fri 15th March 2024

Newtown Jets hooker Sam Healey was in top form over in New Zealand, scoring two tries and showing that he has a big season in front of him. (Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography)

Jets second half fightback trumped by the Warriors late surge

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Newtown Jets respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the Land and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on and that the land area encompassing Henson Park traditionally belonged to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.