06 - 2020 Flashback friday Website Template rnd 19

Flashback Friday – Newtown wins Endeavour Cup

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

It was arguably the most memorable day in Newtown’s history in almost a quarter of a century.

While Newtown’s first-grade side may have finished outside the top four in 1970, they did finish the year with their first trophy since the 1945 City Cup triumph.

How? Have you ever heard of the Endeavour Cup? With a World Cup at the end of the season, the NSWRL was keen to ensure players representing clubs who had missed the finals kept their form up, so they authorised a knock-out competition involving the teams who had finished fifth through eighth. 

The competition also provided the league with an opportunity to test out the new six-tackle rule, which was shaping up as the replacement for the unpopular four-tackle rule that had been implemented in 1967.

Newtown had finished the premiership season in equal-seventh, meaning they were pitted into a four-way battle for the title with Easts, Balmain and Cronulla, the latter of whom were hosting the tournament at their home ground.

Newtown faced the home team in their opening fixture and won the match 13-11, teeing up a showdown with 1969 Sydney premiers Balmain in the final. While the Tigers had failed to make the semis in 1970, they were still an imposing team with internationals Arthur Beetson and Barry McTaggart in their forward pack. 

Newtown started strongly with two rapid-fire tries to prop Terry Bowles and winger Lionel Williamson setting up an 8-0 lead by halftime. The second try was particularly spectacular with Williamson finishing off a beautiful long-range movement orchestrated by Barry Wood and Gary Sullivan. 

Newtown was dealt a blow when back-rower John Oakley was sent from the field for a high tackle with half an hour remaining. Balmain quickly exploited their numerical advantage with winger Len Kileen scoring a converted try, but Newtown managed to extend their lead to 10-5 off the back of John Bonham’s boot.

Fullback Bob Smithies set up a nail-biting finish when he crossed for Balmain’s second before Doug Kemister saved the game for the Jets with a cracking tackle on a runaway Gary Leo, not only sealing the trophy but also a $5,000 bonus for the club.

Newtown 12 (T.Bowles, L.Williamson tries; J.Bonham 2, B.Wood field goals) def Balmain 8 (L.Killeen, B.Smithies tries; Killeen goal)

Newtown Bluebags, winners of the 1970 Endeavour Cup

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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

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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.