Image: Mario Facchini, mafphotography
Image: Mario Facchini, mafphotography

Flashback Friday – Newtown v Parra 1981

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

Everyone knows that Newtown faced Parramatta in the 1981 Grand Final, but did you realise that we also faced the Eels in our opening finals encounter that season?

After coming second in the minor premiership, Newtown faced the third-placed Eels in the Major Preliminary Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Parramatta had pumped the Jets in our round one encounter 33-9 at Cumberland, but the Jets squared the ledger in the return match with a 14-9 win at Henson.

The Major Preliminary Final was Newtown’s first taste of September football in eight years, and they were on the attack almost immediately, when Phil Sigsworth made a break from the kick-off. In fact, the Jets almost scored off their first set with Brian Hetherington denied what appeared to be a fair try after winning the race to a Sigsworth bomb.

Newtown soon saw another chance evaporate before their eyes when Steve Ella managed to knock down a Sigsworth pass after the dashing fullback had created a three-on-one overlap down a narrow blind side. The Jets finally got on the scoreboard in the 17th minute when Phil Gould nailed a long range penalty goal

This lead was extended to 5-0 when Hetherington, Sigsworth and Gould combined to put Ray Blacklock in for the opening try. Parramatta struck back almost immediately when Steve Ella set up a try for Peter Sterling with a delicious side step. Cronin converted from in-front and at half-time the scores were locked at 5-all.

The second half didn’t get off to the best start for Newtown when Graeme Atkins scored after the Eels regathered a Sterling grubber that had ricocheted off Gould’s boot. Cronin was successful with the sideline conversion and suddenly the Jets were down 10-5.

Following this try, coach Warren Ryan made a significant tactical decision, replacing halfback Tommy Raudonikis with Ken Wilson. This was particularly surprising considering there were still 20 minutes left to play.

Down but not out, the Jets returned serve in the 68th minute with a magical long range try. After receiving the ball inside his 22, Hetherington evaded Parramatta’s Paul Younane and raced down a narrow blindside before linking up with a flying Blacklock. The dashing winger then sprinted 20 metres before switching it to Sigsworth, who tiptoed 40 metres down the sideline before passing it inside to Mick Ryan who touched down adjacent to the right upright.

With the Jets down 10-8, Wilson stepped up to take a relatively straight forward conversion attempt that would level the scores with just 10 minutes to play. Unfortunately, the usually reliable kicker sprayed the attempt to the left of the posts.

That would be all she wrote for the Jets. However, they were controversially denied a penalty within kicking range, when referee John Goucher waved play-on despite what looked like a blatant illegal ball steal in a tackle on Graeme O’Grady.

“I’m proud of what the boys did today,” Ryan told Rugby League Week after the match.

“They vindicated our place in the semi-finals . . . they showed we deserved to be here.”

As for Wilson, he vowed not to miss another sitter.

“I’m bloody sure it won’t happen again,” he said.

“It’s something I can’t explain . . .but it’s done and there’s no excuse.

“It’s over. I’m professional enough to know you can’t dwell on such things.”

The Jets went on to face Manly in the Minor Semi-Final the next week and we all know what happened in that game!

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Hard-running centre Nene Macdonald played on numerous occasions for the Newtown Jets in 2021.  Last Sunday Nene was playing for Papua-New Guinea against the Cook Islands in the 2023 Pacific Championships - Pacific Bowl and he scored four tries. (Photo: Mike Magee).

Information about 2024 Newtown RLFC memberships; Newtown Jets playing in the 2023 Pacific Championship Series; and a reminder about Newtown RLFC merchandise.

Kyle Pickering and Daniel Atkinson, Italian rugby league representative team, 7th October 2023 (NSWRL Twitter) crop

These Newtown Jets players have gained selection in various end of season representative rugby league teams

Newtown Jets 2023 Presentation Night bottom image for web post

The Newtown Jets RLFC held its Annual Presentation Dinner on the evening of Friday, 29th September 2023 at the Petersham RSL Club.

Newtown Jets left-edge backrower Kyle Pickering (in possession) about to score at Henson Park on Saturday, 22nd July 2023. Jets fullback Manaia Waitere salutes the crowd after playing a clever role in setting up the try. (Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography)

Newtown RLFC 2023 Presentation Dinner Details

July 22, 2023 - Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia, Kyle Pickering of the Newtown Jets scores his second try of the game during Round 21 of the NSWRL Knock On Effect NSW Cup at Henson Park in Marrickville, New South Wales. (Mario Facchini/mafphotography)

Newtown RLFC 2023 Presentation Night Details

Sunday Sun 603

The Other Premiers of 1943

Australian Mutual Bank
Front of Jersey

Petersham RSL
Back of Jersey

Deicorp
Back of Jersey, Training Gear, Socks

Invisi-Gard
Jersey Minor

John Singleton Group
Sleeve

Schofield King Lawyers
Sleeve

Coverforce
Front of Shorts

The Henson
Back of Shorts

Sydney Park Hotel
Back of Shorts

Sports Medicine Institute
Medical Services & Rehabilitation

Label Plus
Major Sponsor

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.