The Newtown Jets are just one win away from confirming a top four finish, one which would give them a double shot in the upcoming Intrust Super Premiership Finals series.
The Jets jumped into the coveted fourth position after a nail-biting last gasp victory over the North Sydney Bears, a try by Jacob Gagan in the 80th minute seeing them score a vital 16-12 win.
This weekend they face a Manly team outside the top eight and with no hope of qualifying for the Finals, however the Sea Eagles would like nothing better than to put a dent in the Jets premiership aspirations by causing an upset on Saturday afternoon.
The New Zealand Warriors are the only team that can knock the Jets out of the top four and with their match against Penrith to be played on Sunday, the Newtown side will want to put the issue beyond doubt with a win at Henson Park the day before.
In the unlikely event of the last-placed Newcastle Knights beating the Wests Tigers, the Jets could move up into third on the ladder with a victory over Manly.
With the Sharks almost at full strength for the NRL game against the Roosters on Saturday night the Jets will field a strong line-up for the Manly match, with Kurt Capewell returning to the team after playing in the NRL last weekend.
Sharks full-time NRL squad members in Capewell, his Queensland counterpart Josh Cleeland, hooker Matt McIlwrick, winger Jacob Gagan, prop Junior Roqica and second-rower-come-centre Anthony Moraitis will be keen to put their best foot forward and help guide the Jets towards what would be a valuable two points.
With respect to those named above, half-five eighth Fa’amanu Brown has been perhaps the most influential figure in the Newtown team at different stages this year with another strong performance required to ensure a win over the Sea Eagles.
Saturday at Henson Park is also the Newtown Jets Club Reunion Day, with a bumper crowd and an outstanding atmosphere assured.
Kick-off is at 3.00pm.
See below the ISP competition table, previews and teams lists, along with a video profile on Sharks forward Kurt Capewell.
ISP Match Centre – Including competition table – CLICK HERE
See a NSWRL.com.au video profile of Sharks & Jets backrower Kurt Capewell - CLICK HERE
