by Andrew McEnallay (NSWRL Website)
Game Summary:
Newtown Jets have narrowly defeated Newcastle Knights 18-16 at Leichhardt Oval, to join the Bulldogs as the only remaining undefeated team in the 2022 season.
The Knights got on the scoreboard early after an Edrick Lee intercept saw him race downfield looking almost certain to score, until a great cover tackle from Jets fullback Lachie Miller brought him down. On the very next play, the Knights shifted right and Heath Gibbs scored in the 3rd minute.
The Jets were their own worst enemy early on, making several errors. Despite the shaky start, they started to click into gear after some slick backline play had them hitting the ball at speed and it was Mawene Hiroti who was the beneficiary. Luke Metcalf converted and put his side up 6-4.
Edrick Lee got involved with a try of his own and Jets back-rower Reuben Rennie scored soon after. After plenty of back-and-forth, the Jets led 12-10 at the break.
Although errors plagued both sides in the second half, it was an exciting game with plenty of end-to-end football and strong defence, particularly by the Jets forward pack.
Pele made up for his earlier indiscretion by crashing over in the 49th minute after some nice dummy half play by Zac Woolford.
From there, the Jets started to gain ascendancy off the back of their defence. Unable to get out of their own end, the Knights halves often found themselves kicking on their own 20-metre line and with Miller’s speed and footwork returning the ball, the Jets were able to assert their dominance on the tiring Knights defence.
With the Knights attack not quite clicking at the back end of the game and trailing 18-10, a Simi Sasagi offload saw Floyd Tighe burst onto the ball and crash over in the 74th minute. Phythian added the extras putting his side behind by just two points.
Although they had opportunities to win it, the Knights proved they will be a challenge for every team in 2022.
Talking points:
Franklin Pele was tough to stop all day, although he will have a nervous wait with the judiciary after a high-shot saw him sent from the field for 10 minutes.
Edrick Lee was a standout in a losing side, carrying the ball well out of his own end and having some success against a tough Newtown defence, including a 50 metre linebreak off the back of an intercept. After featuring in the 2020 State of Origin series for Queensland, Lee missed out on the entirety of the 2021 season and some more impressive performances could see him pushing for a spot in the Knights NRL side.
The Jets proved they are a tough side who work hard for each other in defence. The Knights threw everything at the Jets in the second half, building pressure off the back of repeat sets and the Jets answered every question asked.
Key moment:
The Jets were able to turn defence into attack in the second half when Knights backrower Wyatt Shaw was hit and nearly carried over the sideline by Jets winger Kayal Iro, which resulted in a turnover. In the ensuing set, Franklin Pele crashed over carrying several defenders with him.
What’s next?
The Jets will take on a desperate Magpies side in Round Five at Henson Park and the Knights will face the Sea Eagles at Cessnock Sports Ground.
Newtown 18:
Mawene Hiroti, Reubenn Rennie, Franklin Pele tries;
Luke Metcalf 3 conversions
defeated
Newcastle Knights 16:
Heath Gibbs, Edrick Lee, Floyd Tighe tries;
Dylan Phythian 2 conversions.
Newtown’s team
Lachlan Miller
Jonaiah Lualua, Kayal Iro
Jensen Taumoepeau, Mawene Hiroti
Luke Metcalf, Rhys Davies
Jack Williams
Charbel Tasipale, Reubenn Rennie
Kurt Dillon (Capt), Royce Hunt
Tyler Slade.
Interchange:
Thomas Hazelton, Zac Woolford, Franklin Pele, Vincent Rennie.
18th man:
Addison Demetriou.
Head Coach:
Greg Matterson.
Newcastle Knights:
McKenzie Baker
Edrick Lee, Brayden Musgrove
Heath Gibbs, Dylan Lucas
Floyd Tighe, Dylan Phythian
Simi Sasagi
Matt Croker, Wyatt Shaw
Pasami Saulo, Daniel Ticehurst
Luke Huth.
Interchange:
Ben Talty, Brock Gardner, Liam Wiscombe, Honeti Tuha.
18th man:
Lachlan Williams.
Head Coach:
Mark O’Meley.
Photo courtesy Mario Facchini - mafphotography
