Tom Raudonikis celebrates after scoring a try in the 1981 NSWRL Grand Final (colourised by thefootydog@mail.com)
Tom Raudonikis celebrates after scoring a try in the 1981 NSWRL Grand Final (colourised by thefootydog@mail.com)

Remembering forty years ago ….

Today, 27th September 2021, marks exactly forty years since Newtown and Parramatta faced off in the 1981 NSWRL First Grade Grand Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

It is an occasion of mixed feelings for many thousands of Newtown Jets supporters. There was the profound disappointment of losing the game narrowly, but no doubt many more fans took great pride in Newtown reaching the Grand Final for the first time since 1955 after such a thrilling progression through the qualifying games.

The club planned to recognise the 40th anniversary by way of a special 1981 team dinner, and of course the 1981 playing group would have been honoured at this year’s Newtown Jets Reunion Day at Henson Park.

As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to the remainder of the 2021 NSW Cup season and also to any plans for any special events to honour the 1981 Newtown Jets Grand Finalists.

The club now intends to pay tribute to the 1981 Jets players and staff by way of individual letters thanking them for their service and for such massive efforts in that memorable season.

Bearing in mind the despair associated with Newtown’s first grade seasons between 1976 and 1978, followed by the ascent of the Jets up the premiership table in 1979 and 1980 and then the glorious run of victories into the 1981 Grand Final – all made that 1981 season and the Grand Final appearance of forty years ago exceptional moments in our club history.

To say that the Newtown Rugby League Football Club has had a chequered history since 1908 is somewhat of an understatement. Let us remember then on this day, forty years on from the 27th September 1981, what was a day of enormous pride and achievement for our club, the oldest Rugby League club in Australia.

Phil Gould at the SCG in 1981 (Rugby League Week)

Newtown's head coach George Ndaira (left) and Head of Football Greg Matterson are pictured with the 2024 NSWRL Knock-On Effect NSW Cup premiership trophy. George and Greg are both on deck again as the Newtown Jets head into the 2025 NSW Cup season. 
(Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography)

Newtown’s first NSW Cup trial game for 2025 is against Penrith at Henson Park on Saturday, 8th February at 4.00pm

This photo of the Newtown RLFC players, staff, Directors and sponsors was taken at Henson Park on the day before the final home game for the 2024 season.  (Photo: Mario Facchini)

The Newtown Jets celebrate what was a magnificent year in the history of Australia’s oldest rugby league club

Newtown Jets 2024 Presentation Night Poster

2024 NEWTOWN RLFC NSW CUP PREMIERS PRESENTATION DINNER & AWARDS NIGHT

Newtown's giant front-rower Tuku Hau Tapuha gets into stride as he carries the ball forward in Sunday's NRL State Championship Final. Photo: Mario Facchini / mafphotography

Second half errors prove costly as the Newtown Jets lose narrowly in the NRL State Championship Final

Barry Vining of the Jets celebrates after the preliminary final of the NSW Cup finals series game between the Newtown Jets and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney on September 23, 2012. Jets defeated Bulldogs 34-6. (Photo by Jason McCawley)

Vale Barry Noel Vining OAM

Image: Mario Facchini, mafphotography

Newtown Jets Team List v Norths Devils Sun 6th October, 2024 (NRL State Championship)

Australian Mutual Bank
Front of Jersey

Petersham RSL
Back of Jersey

Deicorp
Back of Jersey, Training Gear, Socks

HPH-02

Henson Park Hotel
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

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.