Newtown’s team for the opening round of the 2018 Intrust Super Premiership NSW is still a work in progress

Jets coach Greg Matterson was pleased with Saturday’s 22-18 trial match win against Western Suburbs at Campbelltown Stadium, but with more than twenty-five players to be under consideration the exact shape of the Newtown team for the ISP NSW first round is still unknown.

The Magpies took an early 12-0 lead on Saturday, but the Jets scored three tries in the last ten minutes of the first half to lead 16-12 at the break.

Newtown increased their lead to 22-12 early in the second half and then had to withstand a late fightback by the Magpies.

Newtown 22:

Briton Nikora 2, Scott Sorenson, William Kennedy tries;

Jesse Marschke 3 goals

Defeated

Western Suburbs 18:

Watson Heleta, JJ Felise, Harry O’Toole tries;

Tuimoala Lolohea 3 goals.

Half-Time: Newtown led 16-12.

Kick-off time was 4.45pm.

Campbelltown Stadium playing surface: Excellent.

Weather: 33 degrees Celsius, 50% humidity, light north-easterly breeze.

Newtown’s team:

William Kennedy, Latrell Robinson, Jesse Ramien, Reubenn Rennie, Joshua Tuilagi, Jack Williams, Jesse Marschke, Eddie Faalua, Blayke Brailey, Cruz Topai-Aveai, Scott Sorenson, Briton Nikora, Jack Williams.

Interchange: Jayden McDonogh, Anthony Moraitis, Lachlan Stein, Billy Magoulias, Malakai Houma, Penani Manumalealii, Matt Evans, Brock Ilett, Wes Lolo, Jordan Bowles, Daniel Vasquez, Ryan King, Ben Marschke.

Coach: Greg Matterson.

(NB: Five-eighth Jack Williams is a product of the Cronulla-Sutherland juniors system and Sharks NYC; lock forward Jack Williams is a product of the Cooma RLFC and Canberra Raiders NYC).

Western Suburbs:

Tuimoala Lolohea, Watson Heleta, Tony Tali, Lucas Price, Mahe Fonua, Tyson Gamble, Josh Drinkwater, JJ Felise, Braden Robson, Cowen Epere, Chris McQueen, Sam McIntyre, Bayley Sironen.

Interchange: Thomas Mikaele, Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu, Patrice Siolo, Jye Challenor, Harry O’Toole, Heath Gibbs, Liam Pakau, Kane McQuiggin, Jake Scott.

Coach: Brett Hodgson.

Match statistics: –

Completions: Newtown 66%; Western Suburbs 67%.

Possession: Newtown 50%; Western Suburbs 50%.

Penalties: Western Suburbs 7, Newtown 6.

The full draw for the 2018 ISP NSW competition is available on this link:  https://www.nswrl.com.au/siteassets/documents/2018-isp-draw-master-12.2.18.pdf