by Steve Russo
Newtown Jets Media
The Newtown Jets have returned to the top of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder after a 30-10 win over the Parramatta Eels at Henson Park.
It was an impressive performance from the Jets, who managed to tame an Eels side chock full of NRL experience, including the likes of Bryce Cartwright, Mitch Rein and Nathan Brown.
Emerging centre Kayal Iro was the star for Newtown, scoring two tries in quick succession late in the first half, although he was ably supported by hooker Jayden Berrell, who was a threat to the Eels’ defensive line every time he touched the ball.
Tommy Hazelton opened the scoring for Newtown when he crashed over under the sticks after nine minutes, and from that point, the Jets were never headed, with the Eels managing just one try either side of half-time via Mitch Rein and Sean Russell.
Newtown led 18-6 at the break, however, the second half was a much tighter affair with errors gifting Parramatta a glut of possession. That said, the Jets showed great defensive resilience, turning away wave after wave of Eels attack.
Newtown saw two try-scoring opportunities evaporate before their eyes early in the second term, with Tyla Tamou denied due to a forward pass and Hazelton missing out on a brace after a dubious double-movement call.
In the end, though, it didn’t matter, as tries to Tamou and Kade Dykes during the final 10 minutes of play sealed a commanding 20-point victory
Newtown 30 (Kayal Iro 2, Tom Hazleton, Tyler Tamou, Kade Dykes tries; Lachlan Miller 5 goals)
def
Parramatta 10 (Mitch Rein, Sean Russell tries; Jordan Rankin goal)
Match Highlights - CLICK HERE
KOE NSW Cup Ladder - CLICK HERE
Newtown’s team was:
FB: Kade Dykes
W: Tyla Tamou, Joniah Lualua
C: Kayal Iro, Jensen Taumoepeau
5/8: Lachie Miller
HB: Rhys Davies
L: Billy Magoulias
SR: Myles Lee-Taueli, Kayne Kalache
FR: Thomas Hazelton, Caleb Uele
H: Jayden Berrell (Captain).
Interchange: Vincent Rennie, Liam Harris, Charbelle Tasipale, James Coyne.
Coach: Greg Matterson.
Parrmatta:
FB: Jordan Rankin
W: Zac Cini, Sean Russell
C: Hayze Perham, Tom Opacic
5/8: Jack A. Williams
HB: Brendan Hands
L: Nathan Brown
SR: Elie El-Zakhem, Bryce Cartwright
FR: Ky Rodwell, Ofahiki Ogden
H: Mitch Rein
Interchange: Wiremu Greig, Tevita Taumoepenu, Toni Mataele, Dan Keir
Coach: Jordan Rankin.
As it Happened:
9th min: T. Hazelton try, L. Miller goal (Newtown 6-0)
16th min: L. Miller penalty goal (Newtown 8-0)
29th min: K. Iro try (Newtown 12-0)
32nd min: K. Iro try, L. Miller goal (Newtown 18-0)
37th min: M Rein try, J. Rankin goal (Newtown 18-6)
70th min: T. Tamou try, L. Miller goal (Newtown 24-6)
72nd min: S. Russell try (Newtown 24-10)
78th min: K. Dykes try, L. Miller goal (Newtown 30-10)
Newtown’s next game:
NSWRL Knock-On Effect NSW Cup
19th Round
Saturday, 23rd July 2022
Henson Park
Newtown v North Sydney
Kick-Off: 3.00pm.
