After struggling for consistency throughout the 2015 NSW Cup season Newtown Jets face a crucial game on Sunday when they head north to take on the Roos in Wyong.
Wyong, who are the NSW Cup feeder team for the Roosters, meet Newtown, the club the Sharks have a partnership with in 2015 in the NSWRL competition, with the Jets needing to find some form as the season is about to enter the ‘business’ end with finals fast approaching.
While the Roos are riding the crest of a good run of form the Jets have battled to string back-to-back performances together and they will go into this clash looking to turn their season around and to set a course for the big games which lie ahead.
In an interesting positional change Mitch Brown will move to fullback, switching with Nathan Gardner who now goes onto one wing, while Sami Sauiluma also goes back into his more familiar position of centre after playing the past few weeks in the back row.
The Jets v Roos match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off at Morry Breen Oval in Wyong on Sunday.
The NSWRL.com.au website has produced the following preview of Sunday’s game.
Wyong Roos v Newtown Jets: All on the line
It’s a pivotal contest between the fourth-placed Wyong Roos and Newtown Jets who cling to eighth place.
“Obviously we need to start winning a few of the tight games,” said Jets coach Greg Matterson. “We haven’t been playing our best footy. We’ve played in patches but we need to put in an 80-minute performance – that’s our goal for the next few rounds.”
The Jets have won just one of their past five matches to slide down the ladder.
“It’s disappointing,” Matterson said. “We’re disappointed about some of the patches of play and how we’re playing. We know we need to improve and there’s no excuse for conceding that many tries. We’re disappointed in our own performance and we’re working hard to fix it.”
The Roos have won six of their past seven matches and are riding a three-game win streak to climb into the top four. The last time the two sides met, the Roos ran away with a 28-12 victory in Country Round 13.
The Jets’ chance of the upset victory is greater without Roos skipper Mitch Williams set to take the field. However, the Jets remain focused on improving their own performance.
“It’s about us,” Matterson said. “We played Wyong at Muswellbrook and there wasn’t much in the game until the end. We feel we can compete with anyone when we’re at our best but we have to get our house in order. If we look after ourselves, the wins will come.
“Attack and defence – they spring board off each other. We need to be better in defence and execute better in attack.”
If the Jets are to make a serious finals charge, they must start their campaign on Sunday.
