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THROW BACK THURSDAY – THE THREE POINT DROP GOAL

Each Thursday, during the season, thanks to CRYO Sydney, we step back in time to bring you a story from our rich history. In the lead up to our game v North Sydney, we’re going back to 1982 and a truly unique occurrence in first grade footy. 

THE THREE POINT DROP GOAL

It’s a feat that has only occurred once in the premiership’s 111-year history and the mighty Bluebags were involved – although probably not in the way they would have liked.

In Round 18, 1982 the Jets were involved in a tight tussle with fellow foundation club, North Sydney at Bear Park. With seven minutes left on the clock and Norths holding a 12-11 advantage, North Sydney’s five-eighth Mitchell Cox attempted a drop goal. The goal was successful but in the process of taking the kick, Newtown halfback Ken Wilson had clattered into Cox knocking him over in the process.

No harm was done, but after conferring with a touch judge, referee Jack Danzey determined that Wilson’s contact on Cox had been illegal and thus set up a unique piece of rugby league history. 

You see, according to rules of the game: “If a player fouls an opponent who is attempting a drop goal, a penalty kick shall be awarded in front of the goal posts.

“If the attempt at drop goal is successful, a kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick.”

In other words, despite Cox’s kick being successful, Wilson’s indiscretion meant that the Bears were also awarded a penalty right in front. Hooker John Gray duly slotted the goal, giving North Sydney a 15-11 win and registering the first (and so far, ever) three-point drop goal ever seen in first-grade rugby league in Australia.

It was a disappointing afternoon all round for the Jets, who had trailed 7-2 early but fought back to lead 11-7 during the second stanza, thanks to a try from Steve Bowden and some radar-like kicking from Wilson.

However, a footballing masterclass from Cox during the later stages of the game ultimately proved vital. With 11 minutes remaining, the former Wallaby scored a fine individual try to put his side back in the lead before kicking his historic field goal. 

North Sydney 15 (M.Cox, L.Kelly tries; J.Gray 4 goals, Cox field goal) def. Newtown 11 (Bowden try; Wilson 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.