Young Jets encounter a tough learning curve

Newtown’s rebuilt 2018 Intrust Super Premiership team went close to beating last year’s grand finalists Wyong in the opening competition round at Morry Breen Oval on Saturday.

The Wyong Roos dominated possession in the first half and might well have led by more than 18-10 at half-time. The young Jets fought back strongly in the second half and drew level 24-all with four minutes remaining to play. A Roos field goal in the game’s last thirty seconds gave Wyong a somewhat fortunate 25-24 win. A significant number of Newtown’s team were in their debut senior level rugby league competition game and no doubt they will learn a great deal from the experience.

In the ISP NSW second round, the Jets take on St George-Illawarra next Thursday evening, 15^th March, at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Woolooware at 5.30pm.

NSWRL Intrust Super Premiership NSW – Round One

Saturday, 10^th March 2018

Morry Breen Oval, Kanwal

Wyong v Newtown

Kick-Off: 4.30pm.

Wyong Roos 25:

Luke Sharpe, Lindsay Collins, Ben Thomas, Matt Ikuvalu tires;

Josh Mantellato 4 conversions, Paul Momirovski field goal

defeated

Newtown 24:

William Kennedy 2, Blayke Brailey, Jack Williams tries;

Jesse Marschke 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal.

Half-Time: Wyong led 18-10.

Newtown’s team was:

William Kennedy, Matt Evans, Jesse Ramien, Reubenn Rennie, Edrick Lee, Jack Williams, Jesse Marschke, Brock Ilett, Blayke Brailey, Wes Lolo, Scott Sorensen, Anthony Moraitis, Jack Williams.

Interchange: Jaimin Jolliffe, Billy Magoulias, Malakai Houma, Ben Marschke.

Coach: Greg Matterson.

Wyong:

Luke Sharpe, Chris Centrone, Josh Mantellato, Matt Ikuvalu, Nick O’Meley, Dean Matterson, Paul Momirovski, Eloni Vunakece, Mitch Williams, Poasa Faamausili, Reuben Porter, Sitili Tupouiua, Lindsay Collins.

Interchange: Chris Smith, Brock Gray, Jake Lewis, Ben Thomas, Bradie Smith, Brad Keighran.

Coach: Rip Taylor.

Referee: Ryan Jackson.

Touch Judges: Mitchell Stone and Adam Reid.

Playing surface: Excellent.

Weather: Sunny, 26 degrees, 50% humidity, ESE breeze.

Match statistics:

Completions: First half – Newtown 8/14, Wyong 12/17; Second half – Newtown 15/17, Wyong 10/15.

Possession: First half – Newtown 39%, Wyong 61%; Second half – Newtown 53%, Wyong 47%.

Penalties: First half – Wyong 3-2; Second half – Newtown 6-3.

Newtown’s next match details:

NSWRL Intrust Super Premiership NSW – Round Two

Thursday, 15^th March 2018

Southern Cross Group Stadium, Woolooware

St George-Illawarra v Newtown

Kick-Off: 5.35pm.

Other ISP NSW Round One results:

New Zealand Warriors 30 defeated North Sydney 22

Newcastle Knights 28 drew with Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 28

Mounties 22 defeated St George-Illawarra 20

Western Suburbs 32 defeated Canterbury-Bankstown 10

Wentworthville 32 defeated Penrith 24