Jets

KOE NSW Cup Round 16

FRANK HYDE SHIELD

Sunday 22nd June 2025

3pm

 NORTH SYDNEY OVAL

Norths 2024 220
Rd5

RD5 – Jets and the Bulldogs Share the Spoils [14-14]

Report on the fifth round NSWRL VB NSW Cup match between Cutters and Newtown, played on Saturday, 5th April 2014, plus details of Newtown’s next match. 

The Newtown Jets and Canterbury-Bankstown fought out a 14-all draw in the 5th round NSW Cup match played at Henson Park on Saturday. Both sides made a lot of errors but there was still enough skilful play and honest endeavour to keep the crowd of over a thousand interested right up to the final siren.

This was Newtown’s first home game for the 2014 season and the Jets were super- keen to record their first win. The Bulldogs missed a sure-fire scoring opportunity in the second minute but Jets five-eighth Samisoni Langi scored two minutes later in the wake of some strong drives by the Newtown forwards in Canterbury’s quarter. Jets forwards Jack Noble and Saulala Houma went close to scoring on two other occasions in the first half. Some wayward passing by Newtown and kicks that were too heavily weighted brought other try-scoring possibilities undone.

The Jets maintained their 4-0 lead until half-time. The Bulldogs had a completion rate of less than fifty per cent in the first half but Newtown had failed to take full advantage of their larger share of possession. Coach Greg Matterson had sent out a message for his players to build and sustain pressure at the Bulldogs end of the field, rather than relying on the big plays to bring dividends.

Canterbury had the better of the third quarter, scoring two unconverted tries to take an 8-4 lead. The Bulldogs improved their ball control and were making good ground up the middle. Newtown’s best play of the game came with ten minutes remaining, when giant prop and former Dragon Kem Seru ran onto a sublime short pass from Samisoni Langi to score at the northern hill end. Arana Taumata’s conversion gave Newtown a 10-8 lead, and three minutes later front-rower Saulala Houma scored another of his trademark rampaging tries. Taumata’s conversion attempt, which might have secured a win for the Jets, bounced away from an upright.

The Bulldogs regained the ball from a well-placed short kick-off and worked play down to Newtown’s end. There was more than a touch of controversy when the Bulldogs a converted try to draw level at 14-all. Arana Taumata’s late field goal attempt was unsuccessful, with the Jets and Canterbury having to settle for one competition point each.

The Jets coaching staff nominated hooker Kurt Kara as Newtown’s man of the match, while noting improved displays from Saulala Houma and Jack Noble. Jack Siejka continues to set high benchmarks with his work-rate. Arana Taumata and Samisoni Langi look to be gelling as a halves combination.

Newtown’s team versus Canterbury was:

Shannon Gallant, Jonathon Reuben, Rhyse Martin, Brett Lane, Chris Taripo, Samisoni Langi, Arana Taumata, Ryan Verlindem, Kurt Kara, Andrew Pearn, Jack Siejka, Jack Noble, David Harris

Interchange: Saulala Houma, Jordan Galloway, Ray Moujalli, Kem Seru.

Coach: Greg Matterson.

Newtown is home again this Saturday, 12th competition leaders and Parramatta partnership club Wentworthville at Henson Park. This 6th round NSW Cup match gets underway at 3.00pm. The Roosters and Sea Eagles junior representative curtain-raisers kick off at 11.30am and 1.00pm. Next Saturday at Henson Park is also designated as a Family Fun Day, with plenty of attractions to keep the youngsters entertained. April, when the Jets host the joint Caption: Follow the bouncing ball …. Newtown Jets halfback Arana Taumata (in centre) leads several team-mates and Canterbury Bulldogs opponents in a race for the football at Henson Park last Saturday.

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v North Sydney Bears (Frank Hyde Shield) Sun 22nd June 2025

Dick Poole, the captain-coach of the undefeated Australian Rugby League World Cup team in 1957, is chaired from the SCG by Australian team-mates (from left to right): Kel O'Shea, Brian Clay, Norm Provan and Ken McCaffery. (NSWRL Media).

Farewell to the great Dick Poole

Jets backrower Blake Hosking powers through the Warriors defence to score in the first half on Saturday.  Photo: Mario Facchini/mafphotography

The Jets narrowly beaten in hard-fought tussle with the top of the table Warriors

The Newtown Jets might have been off their game on Saturday, but they still retained the Tom Raudonikis Cup for 2025 by virtue of their better points for and against over the two games played against Western Suburbs this season. Glen Warner from the Australian Mutual Bank (one of the Newtown Jets best sponsors) is holding the trophy. Photo: Mario Facchini/mafphotography

Newtown Jets turn on a lacklustre performance in shock loss to Western Suburbs

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Warriors Sat 7th June, 2025

Newtown second-rower Dylan Coutts (in the middle of the photo) is congratulated by his Jets team-mates after scoring in Saturday night's game against the Sydney Roosters. Coutts scored two tries in his debut appearance in the NSW Cup competition. (Photo: Mario Facchini / mafphotography)

The Jets surge back into winning form with a huge victory against the Sydney Roosters

Australian Mutual Bank
Front of Jersey

Petersham RSL
Back of Jersey

Deicorp
Back of Jersey, Training Gear, Socks

Eclectic 365
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

Henson Park Hotel
Back of Shorts

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.