By Sam Kosack - NSWRL (Sunday, March 24)
The Newtown Jets have one hand on the Tommy Raudonikis Cup following a fiercely contested 25-24 victory over Western Suburbs Magpies at Lidcombe Oval.
Fans in the Tommy Raudonikis grandstand were treated to a seesawing game of footy with nine lead changes, as the two historic Rugby League sides put on an match that channelled the essence of the late Raudonikis.
It would only take three minutes for the Jets to open the scoring with a shift of hands seeing winger Samuel Stonestreet stretch out to make it 6-0.
The Magpies responded in the 20th minute thanks to a brilliant solo effort from new recruit Latu Fainu. Playing his first game in Magpies colours, Fainu ran from 10 metres out, carrying multiple defenders over the line and leaving an easy conversion for winger Alex Lobb to tie the game.
Despite a terrific Magpies try-saver one metre out from the line, the Jets reclaimed the lead on the very next tackle with second rower Christopher Slater-Raptis grounding a perfectly weighted grubber to give the Jets a six-point lead at halftime.
The second half began terribly for the Magpies, losing second-rower Asu Kepaoa and hooker Jake Simpkin after a head clash on the first play of the half. While Kepaoa would pass his HIA and return to the field, Simpkin needed to be taken from the field and did not return.
Over the next 10 minutes, both teams traded tries until scores were locked entering the final 20 minutes.
Despite their injuries, the Magpies scored first in the second half with Justin Matamua muscling his way over from short range. Three minutes later, however, some Samuel Healey magic from dummy-half saw the Jets inch ahead once again, only for the Magpies to march down the other end for James Valevatu to burrow over and make the score 18-all.
The Magpies were reduced to 12 players at a crucial time in the contest after Brent Naden was sin-binned for a high tackle, but their never-say-die attitude saw winger Solomon Alaimalo produce a flying try-saver to deny Stonestreet his second of the afternoon.
The Magpies took the lead for the first time with 14 minutes remaining. A barnstorming linebreak from Josh Finau put Wests in terrific field position before Alex Lobb took advantage of the retreating defence to put the home side in front by six.
Not to be done with yet, Jets hooker Jayden Berrell busted straight through some tired Magpies defence and found a speeding Liam Ison on his inside, with the fullback sprinting away to score under the posts and lock the game up with five minutes to go.
In the end it was a Niwhai Puru field goal with 45 seconds remaining that would clinch victory for Newtown. The young halfback slotted his attempt from 25 metres away, capping off a hard-fought victory for the Jets.
Talking Points
- Newtown centre Kayal Iro continues to push for a return to first grade, with the young gun showcasing his signature damaging ball-running, while Christopher Slater-Raptis was also strong in attack.
- Despite only playing 40 minutes, Latu Fainu once again proved why he is one of the most exciting young talents in Rugby League, having a try and a linebreak to match his strong defence.
- Western Suburbs will be hoping for positive news on Jake Simpkin as the hooker was still in distress after the game following his collision with teammate Asu Kepaoa.
Key Moment
Liam Ison's try with six minutes to go proved to be crucial for the Newtown Jets. Trailing for the first time in the game, the Magpies looked like they had produced an incredible comeback and notched their first win of the season. However, Ison's try under the posts tied the scores, setting up Puru's chance to kick match-sealing field goal.
What's Next?
Newtown return home to take on the high-flying Canberra Raiders, while the Magpies challenge the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on Easter Monday.
Lead image credit - MAF Photography
