Jets

KOE NSW Cup Round 14

Saturday 7th June 2025

3pm

 HENSON PARK

Warriors 2024 220
Image: Mario Facchini, mafphotography
Image: Mario Facchini, mafphotography

Flashback Friday – Newtown v Norths 1976 Brawl

Each week, thanks to Schofield King Lawyers, we bring you a story from our rich history.

It was a night where tempers flared and fists flew but video ultimately ruled the roost.

It was 12 May 1976 and Newtown was squaring off with fellow foundation club North Sydney at a sodden Leichhardt Oval in a midweek Amco Cup fixture.

With both teams anchored to the bottom of the premiership table after eight rounds, the AMCO Cup was shaping up as the only way either one of them would see any silverware that season, so a win in the knock-out competition was vitally important.

Despite the high stakes, most of the match was nothing much to write home about, with poor handling from Newtown and expert hooking from British Bear John Gray allowing North Sydney to dominate proceedings. However, the real action came midway through the final quarter when a vicious brawl broke out.

It all started when a North Sydney defender attempted a swinging arm on Newtown replacement Paul Johnson as the latter attempted to go to ground with the ball. Newtown hooker Ron Turner flew in to defend Johnson, which in turn sparked a donnybrook that even Muhammad Ali would have been reluctant to enter.

Former Jets half and Golden Gloves boxer Paul Hayward was particularly prominent in the brawl, going toe-to-toe with Gray who, despite hailing from Warwickshire, showed that he was more than capable of performing a Liverpool Kiss. 

“Well, it was certainly a bit more exciting than the Sound of Music,” remarked commentator Ray Warren, who didn’t seem to be particularly perturbed by the violence unfolding in front of him.

When the dust had settled, three players had been sent from the field, North Sydney’s Neville Makin for an alleged punch as well as Hayward and Newtown centre Mark Wright who were charged with kicking and punching.

Watch it here

That wasn’t the end of the story though. Three more players were also cited after league officials reviewed the tape post-game in what was the first instance of video being used to punish players for poor on-field behaviour.

Oh, and for the record, Norths won the match 19-7.

Schofield King Lawyers has spent the last decade representing underdogs against insurance companies and big businesses. For legal advice about your compensation claim, visit https://sklegal.com.au/

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Warriors Sat 7th June, 2025

Newtown second-rower Dylan Coutts (in the middle of the photo) is congratulated by his Jets team-mates after scoring in Saturday night's game against the Sydney Roosters. Coutts scored two tries in his debut appearance in the NSW Cup competition. (Photo: Mario Facchini / mafphotography)

The Jets surge back into winning form with a huge victory against the Sydney Roosters

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Western Suburbs Magpies (Tommy Raudonikis Cup) Sat 31st May, 2025

The giant stride of the big Newtown Jets middle forward Tuku Hau Tapuha is well displayed in this interesting Mario Facchini photograph. Photos: Mario Facchini/mafphotography

The Jets and Raiders turned on a thriller, but the final result went against Newtown

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GERARD PARTNERS – OFFER TO JETS MEMBERS & SUPPORTERS

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Sydney Roosters Sat 24th May 2025

Australian Mutual Bank
Front of Jersey

Petersham RSL
Back of Jersey

Deicorp
Back of Jersey, Training Gear, Socks

Eclectic 365
Chest

John Singleton Group
Sleeve

PHILTER
Shoulder blades, Brewing

Coverforce
Front of Shorts

VIC on the Park
Back of Shorts

Strive Fitness
Gym

Sports Medicine Institute
Medical Services & Rehabilitation

Henson Park Hotel
Back of Shorts

Arista Technologies
Technology Partner

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.