The 2022 season has taken off for the Jets in the best possible fashion, with the Newtown side scoring a solid 36-22 win over Canberra.
The Sharks partner club in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, a Newtown team featuring a number of new faces and a mix of Sharks NRL squad members, scored six tries as they began yet another defence of the title they claimed in 2019.
With neither of the subsequent seasons completed due to Covid, the Jets go into 2022 trying to retain the trophy taken out in spectacular fashion two years ago.
The win was made all the more meritorious for the fact that a number of the Sharks contracted Jets players were unable to participate in a training session in the lead up to the match due to the NRL Covid protocols which forced the Sharks to take an extended squad of 24 to Canberra for their round one match on Friday.
The two teams traded early tries, Luke Metcalf, who would also kick six conversions on the day, touching down for the Jet as the scores were locked up at six-all after the opening 10 minutes.
New Sharks recruit Jayden Berrell showed his class at this level with a smart solo try soon after, but again the Raiders responded however it was in the last five minutes of the opening half which saw the fortunes turn in favour of the Newtown side.
Back rowers Charnel Tasipale, then Miles Taueli scored determined tries before the break, both converted by Metcalf and it was handy 24-12 advantage for the Jets at half time.
Fullback Lochie Miller, who was busy throughout, pushed his teams lead out to 30-12, before the Raiders made it somewhat interesting with two tries of their own.
On this occasion, back at Henson Park in front of a parochial home crowd, the Jets wouldn't be denied, Tyla Tamou finishing off a smart backline play down the western sideline, then Metcalf kicking the goal from wide angle, to complete the scoring.
For the Jets the Sharks contingent performed well, Miller was dangerous at the back with ball in hand, Berrell indicated he has the ability to handle the step up to the NRL this season if or when required, while Tom Hazleton carted the football forward strongly in the middle of the field.
The match also saw the Newtown debuts for Sam Stonestreet and Jesse Colquhoun, with the pair who are both still eligible of the Jersey Flegg competition, impressive in senior company.
Next up for the Jets will be a round two clash on Saturday against Parramatta as the curtain-raiser to the Sharks v Eels NRL match at PoinstBet Stadium.
Newtown 36
Luke Metcalf, Jayden Berrell, Charbel Tasipale, Myles Taueli, Lachlan Miller, Tyla Tamou tries; Luke Metcalf 6 conversions
defeated
Canberra Raiders 22:
Xavier Savage 2, Ata Mariota, Rayden Burns tries; Sam Williams 3 conversions.
Newtown’s team list
Fullback: Lachlan Miller
Wingers: Tyla Tamou, Samuel Stonestreet
Centres: Jensen Taumoepeau, Kayal Iro
Five-Eighth: Luke Metcalf
Half-Back: Rhys Davies
Lock: Tyler Slade
Second=Rowers: Reubenn Rennie, Myles Taueli
Front-Rowers; Thomas Hazelton, Kurt Dillon
Hooker: Jayden Berrell.
Interchange: Charbel Tasipale, Zac Woolford, Vincent Rennie, Jesse Colquhoun.
Coach: Greg Matterson.
Canberra Raiders:
Fullback: Xavier Savage
Wingers: Utuola Asomua, Josh Smith
Centres: Brad Morkos, Rayden Burns
Five-Eighth: Sam Williams
Half-Back: Matt Frawley.
Lock: Harry Rushton.
Second-Rowers: Clay Webb, Trey Mooney
Front-Rowers: Ata Mariota, Ryan Sutton
Hooker: Adrian Trevilyan.
Interchange:
Toby Thorburn, Jordan Martin, Caleb Esera, Caleb Tohi.
18th man: Josh Billing.
Coach: Joel Carbone.
Match highlights, courtesy NSWRL.com - CLICK HERE
