Prop Braden Hamlin-Uele made a successful return from a knee injury in a silver lining to the Newtown Jets' 24-12 NSW Cup loss to the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Saturday evening.
Also bolstered by the addition of second-rower Billy Burns, who was a late omission from the Sharks NRL team to face Souths in the following game, the Jets trailed 10-6 at halftime and were eventually overpowered in the second term.
New Zealand and Samoa representative Hamlin-Uele started in the front row in his first match of the season after recovering from knee surgery.
He produced several strong charges and tackles in the opening exchanges, staking a claim to earn a Sharks recall and play his 100th NRL game next week.
Burns had an early impact on the left edge, running hard and offloading smartly to set up the first try for halfback Niwhai Puru in the second minute.
Mawene Hiroti converted to give Newtown a 6-0 lead, but the Rabbitohs responded in the 20th minute when centre Braidon Burns crossed.
The hosts hit the front after fullback Jacob Gagai pounced on a Kade Dykes error and ran close to the length of the field, outlasting the chase of lock Billy Magoulias.
Dykes, who returned from a hamstring injury in Round 4, atoned for his blunder after the break when he sliced into the clear, drew the opposite No.1 and sent Puru away for his second try as the Jets regained the ascendency.
Unfortunately, the advantage was short-lived, with NSW Origin hooker Damien Cook – playing in the NSW Cup after being dropped – nabbing a four-pointer from close range. Ryan Gray then went over to seal a Souths win.
A penalty goal to Dion Teaupa at the death extended the margin to 12.
Now with a record of two wins, two losses and a draw, the Jets will take on the Sea Eagles at Henson Park next Saturday at 3pm.
