Cronulla Sharks contracted players starred in Newtown’s 24-8 NSW Cup win over Penrith on Saturday.
In a boost for the ongoing prospects of the NRL side, the Sharks reserves piled on all of Newtown’s 24 points in ensuring the Jets walked away with a win over the previously undefeated Panthers.
Off-season Sharks recruits Sami Sauiluma, Jack Bird, Todd Murphy and Saul Houma all crossed for tries, while Murphy slotted two goals in rounding out the Jets’ scoring.
Fullback Nathan Gardner was at the centre of a controversial send-off decision, as Penrith’s Adam Docker was given his marching orders in the 26th minute for a dangerous shoulder charge on the speedster.
The Jets proved all too strong from that point on – the extra man in attack and defence a telling factor at the end of the 80 minutes.
Halfback Murphy was the standout performer for the Jets, with two try assists and a line-break to compliment the four-pointer of his own. Murphy’s developing combination with Bird on the left edge also showed signs of promise.
Having now secured their first win of the season, the Jets will face off with Manly at Brookvale next Saturday afternoon. Kick off in that match is scheduled for 3pm.
NEWTOWN JETS 24 (S Sauiluma 2, J Bird, T Murphy, S Houma tries; Murphy 2 goals)
Defeated
PENRITH PANTHERS 8 (R Jennings, P Simona tries)
