The powerfully-built Josh Davis goes in for the first of his two tries against Mounties at Allianz Stadium last Saturday. Photo: Gary Sutherland Photography.
The powerfully-built Josh Davis goes in for the first of his two tries against Mounties at Allianz Stadium last Saturday. Photo: Gary Sutherland Photography.

Virtual Season 2020 Rd4 – Jets seize the day at Allianz

Report on the Round 12 NSWRL VB NSW Cup match between Newtown and Mounties, played at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 31st May 2014 replayed last Saturday at 3pm on JETS TV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkdylmq77uA

The Newtown Jets made best use of the big stage at Allianz Stadium last Saturday, as well as being on live television across Australia and New Zealand. The Jets defeated third-placed Mounties by 36-18 after having trailed 18-4 midway through the first half. Newtown’s second half performance was notable for scoring five tries to nil, keeping their opponents scoreless and registering a high completion rate.

Newtown made an unconvincing start with a string of errors that resulted in a somewhat controversial 5th minute try to Mounties. The Jets responded ten minutes later when five-eighth Kurt Kara fired out a long pass to winger Josh Davis, who powered his way past three defenders for a determined try. The situation deteriorated for Newtown when the Mounties scored two tries in rapid succession midway through the first half to lead 18-4. A kick charge-down and regather by Brad Barrett led to the Jets backrower David Harris putting in a short kick near Mounties line and then regaining the ball to score. Centre Tautau Moga showed poise and strength as he shrugged off Mounties backline defenders to score wide out in the 38th minute. The Jets went in to the halftime break trailing by 18-14 but with the momentum of the game trending their way.

Errors by Mounties early in the second half gave Newtown some extended possession and favourable field position. Centre Matt Evans did very well to score in the northern left-side corner after the ball had travelled to him quickly through several pairs of hands. The Jets then survived some hair-raising moments when a Mounties high kick went uncontested at Newtown’s end, and also when Newtown turned over possession 25 metres from their own line.

The Jets took the lead for the first time at the 57th minute mark when winger Brett Lane finished another well-constructed and executed passing movement. Five minutes later Arana Taumata put through a well-flighted kick into the Mounties in-goal which was seized upon by Evans for his second try. Fullback Jonathon Reuben made it the fourth Jets try in the second half through the Mounties right-side defence to give Newtown a 30-18 lead with nine minutes left to play.

Newtown’s goal-kickers had little luck on the day with only one try out of eight being converted, but Arana Taumata kicked a penalty goal in the 75th minute to give the Jets a greater than two converted tries lead. Kurt Kara and Tautau Moga combined  well in the last minute of the game to send Josh Davis in for his second try, one that sent the Fox Sports commentators into raptures.

The Jets coaching staff gave special credit to an excellent second half performance by all the forwards, who rolled down the middle and gave the Newtown backs the field position that repeatedly brought dividends. Head coach Greg Matterson noted that the Jets forwards have a good mixture of youth and experience and most importantly, size and controlled aggression. David Harris had an outstanding match, and others to get special mention were Heath L’Estrange, Kurt Kara, Matt Evans and Josh Davis. Newtown clocked up an 85% completion rate in the second half and with a 6-1 penalty count in their favour had the type of stats count that wins big occasion matches. It was very gratifying for the coaching staff and supporters for the team to perform so well at Allianz Stadium and in front of a large television audience.

Newtown’s long march to defending their Canterbury Cup NSW & NRL State Championshp crowns continues (virtually) when the Jets take on the North Sydney Bears next Saturday at 3.00pm on JETS TV. We want you to follow our social media team on Twitter and join in!

Newtown’s team:

Many thanks to our Player Sponsors listed in brackets.

1          Jonathon Reuben (Manoosh Pizzeria)

2          Brett Lane (Golden Barley Hotel)

3          Josh Davis (Charles Bailey Urbane Property Inner West)

4          Matt Evans (Mark Dewar)

5          Tautau Moga (Golden Barley Hotel)

6          Kurt Kara (Adam Whyte)

7          Arana Taumata (Select Music)

8          Willis Meehan (SMI – Sports Medicine Institute)

9          Heath L’Estrange (Brasco & Label Plus)

10        Ryan Verlinden (Wayne Leong & Kim Fuller)

20        Brad Barrett (Dave Nelson)

12        David Harris (Steven Helmich)

13        Kane Evans (Loudon & Vaughan Private Wealth)

Interchange:                        

14        Andrew Pearn (Nifty Foods)

16        Jack Noble (The Daaboul Family)           

17        Saulala Houma (Goodfellows Sports & Socks)

21        Ray Moujalli (John Cahill & Jennifer Malone)

Omitted:

11        Samisoni Langi (Biofreeze & Kris Gale)

Coach: Greg Matterson (Crust Pizza Dulwich Hill)

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.