Match details
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Kick-off time: 5.15pm
Allianz Stadium
Staff & players gallery
Jets return to Allianz Stadium proves to be a fizzer.
The Newtown Jets made a somewhat inglorious return to Allianz Stadium last Saturday, when they were given a 46-8 thrashing by Wests Tigers in a NSW Cup rugby league trial match.
The Jets last appeared at the Sydney Football Stadium (now Allianz Stadium) back in 2008. A spate of late team changes didn't assist the defending premiers in their pre-match preparation or in their on-field cohesion.
The Jets turned on a good performance for most of the first half, despite running into a strong wind and with the Tigers enjoying a surplus of possession. Newtown winger Paul Rokolati scored in the 24th minute but the Tigers seized control of the game with three converted tries in the last ten minutes of the first half.
Newtown's less experienced squad in the second half found it hard to contain the powerful Tigers forward pack and the Wests Tigers backs took full advantage of some indifferent defence. Winger Mitch Stevens scored Newtown's second try just before full-time.
Player performances
Jets forwards Andrew Pearn, Ahmad Ellaz, Saulala Houma and Josh Ailaomai all played strongly and halfback Ben Jones, formerly with the Roosters and the Cowboys, showed some deft touches with the ball that augured well for the competition rounds.
Winger Chris Taripo also impressed with his determined running. Hooker Kurt Kara suffered a fractured eye socket and will miss several of the early competition rounds.
Away for the first game of the season
The Newtown coaching staff will be keen to get their first round team fully organised as the opening round of the 2013 VB NSW Cup fast approaches. The Jets first assignment is against the Illawarra Cutters at the WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday, 9th March at 3.00pm.
Keep in mind...
The Newtown RLFC annual season launch - Tuesday, 5 March: The Jets annual season launch is always one of the highlights of the Newtown RLFC calendar and this year is certainly no exception. Bookings are still open but act now!
New Jets merchandise is available now, including classy new t-shirts and kids' caps - online at NewtownJetsClothing.com.au or locally.
With the VB NSW Cup premiership rounds just about to get underway, there's no better way of showing your passion for the mighty Newtown Jets than by taking out a season membership. Get your family members and friends to join also - there are member packages for remote supporters as well as Sydney-based supporters.
Many thanks to all of our sponsors who make Newtown's participation in a top class rugby league competition like the VB NSW Cup possible. As supporters, you can thank them too by patronising our sponsoring organisations and congratulating them for backing the Newtown Jets.
Trial 2 summary
Newtown 8 [Paul Rokolati, Mitchell Stevens tries]
Wests Tigers 46 [8 tries; 7 goals]
Half-Time: Wests Tigers led 18-4.
Trial 2 - Team list
Interchange
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