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Schofield King’s Throwback Thursday: Jets Rattle Rabbitohs

Seeing as 2021 marks 40 years since our club’s remarkable charge to the 1981 NSWRFL Grand Final, this year Schofield King’s Throwback Thursday will focus exclusively on that season.

Each week we’ll revisit the fixture from the corresponding round in a series of articles that we hope will take our long-time fans on a fun journey down memory lane, while also educating our newer fans on our club’s illustrious history.

As it’s round eight of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup this weekend, we are revisiting Round 8, 1981.

ROUND 8

Three tries to electric winger Ray Blacklock helped Newtown to a thumping 30-14 victory over South Sydney at Henson Park.

The former Panther wasn’t the only star though, with the trio of Phil Sigsworth, Barry Jensen and Geoff Bugden backing up their appearances for City Seconds with stellar performances. The home side led 18-9 at halftime and were never threatened by the Rabbitohs, who were equally inept in attack as they were in defence.

According to Jets coach Warren Ryan, Newtown’s recent ascension to competition heavyweights had been a gradual process.

“The nucleus of every winning side is a group of players used to playing together,” Ryan said.

“Most of this team has been together for three seasons and they’re now playing close to their ability.

“There are a lot of unsung heroes that don’t get the credit they deserve, but that works to our advantage because the opposition players aren’t on the lookout for them.”

Blacklock grabbed his first touchdown in the sixth minute of play and completed his hattrick five minutes from full-time after completing a 90-metre movement that saw the ball go through seven sets of hands. 

The victory signalled Newtown’s fourth win on the trot and propelled them to second place on the premiership ladder on 11 points.


Newtown 30 (R. Blacklock 3, J. Ferguson, B. Hetherington, M. Pobjie, P. Sigsworth tries; K. Wilson 4 goals; K. Wilson field goal) def. South Sydney 14 (M. Brennan, Z. Niszczot tries; M. Ross 4 goals)


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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

Brad Fearnley takes the ball up.

Jets cruise past Knights in season finale

Tom Melville in his playing days for Newtown.

Tom Melville RIP

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Newcastle Knights Sun 27th August 2023

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.