After two convincing victories on home soil the challenge for the Newtown Jets lifts a notch this weekend when they travel to St Marys to take on an improving Panthers outfit.
The Jets whipped the competition leading Warriors by 38-6 last Saturday, following on from a 54-6 triumph over Wentworthville the week prior, in maintaining third position on the Intrust Super Premiership ladder, however with a couple of key injuries, up against a Penrith side enjoying a similar rich vein of form, means the Newtown boys are likely to have their hands full.
However with Josh Cleeland and Fa’amanu Brown performing strongly in the halves, Kurt Capewell, Anthony Moraitis and Jesse Sene-Lafao doing their job in the forwards and Matt McIlwirck directing the troops from dummy half, the Jets will be confident of extending their winning run.
The Jets will be without Jacob Gagan (hamstring), Jordan Drew (Knee) and Junior Roqica (foot) but they have still managed to name a solid line up with a number of quality Newtown-contracted players filling their places.
The Jets v Panthers ISP clash is scheduled for a 3.00pm kick-off at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.
See following a brief preview, first published on the NSWRL.com.au website.
By NSWRL media
This could well be branded the match of the round, with the prowling Panthers hosting the soaring Jets.
Penrith, led by new coach Steve Georgallis, currently sit in fifth position on the competition table, with Newtown in third – this battle could go down to the wire!
With stars including George Jennings, Will Smith, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak and Jamie Soward (Panthers) and Nu Brown, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Mitch Brown and Josh Cleeland (Jets) taking the field, expect this to be an open, exciting, attacking contest.
Look for Sene-Lefao, in particular, to have a big influence – sources tell us Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has been impressed with the power forward’s improved performances over recent weeks and could be featuring in the NRL in the rounds ahead.
Penrith Panthers v Newtown Jets
St Marys Leagues Stadium, Saturday 25th June
3.00pm
Broadcast LIVE on Hawkesbury Radio 89.9 FM
Broadcast LIVE on SteeleSports.com.au
All the previews for Round 16: http://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2016/06/23/previews_intrust_sup.html
ISP ladder after round 15 – CLICK HERE
