Image: mafphotography
Image: mafphotography

Throw Back Thursday – A Boilover At Leichhardt Oval

Each week, thanks to CRYO, we take a look back at a magical moment in our club’s history. This week’s tale is very recent. 

A BOILOVER AT LEICHHARDT OVAL

It was an afternoon where the Jets, not for the first time in their illustrious history, defied the odds to register an unlikely victory.

Minor premiers Penrith had not lost a game since May and had beaten Newtown in their last encounter at Henson Park, but a stirring defence performance from the Jets, particularly during the last 15 minutes, propelled the club into its fourth grand final in 12 years. We are, of course, talking about the 2018 Intrust Super Premiership Preliminary Final.

Played in sweltering conditions at Leichhardt Oval, the Jets were behind the eight ball early after prop Kurt Dillon was assisted from the field in the opening stages.

The Panthers took the early initiative with when Liam Martin crossed after 15 minutes. However, the Jets soon struck back when winger Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga crossed for a converted try in the 25th minute. Penrith regained the lead shortly after when Liam Colman finished off a sweeping attacking movement, but two quick fire tries to Will Kennedy and Ruebenn Rennie gave the Jets a 16-12 advantage at the break.

Newtown surrendered that lead four minutes after the resumption when Reed Izzard scored for Penrith, but Briton Nikora put the Bluebags ahead 22-18 when he scored off a superb pass from Blayke Brailey. Nikora soon had a double when he pounced on a perfectly placed grubber from Kyle Flanagan, in turn giving the Jets a 28-18 lead with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Penrith’s Adam Keighran set up a grandstand finish when he chased down a Wade Egan kick to put his side within four points, but a 15 minute defensive masterclass from the desperate Jets was enough to put them in the big dance against Canterbury.

Newtown 28 (B.Nikora 2, B.Aufaga-Toomaga, W.Kennedy, R.Rennie tries; K.Flanagan 4 goals) def. Penrith 24 (L.Martin, L.Coleman, R.Izzard, A.Keighran tries; Keighran 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.