By Ella Mullins - NSWRL
Newtown Jets stamped their authority over Newcastle Knights 52-12 at North Sydney Oval after a second-half masterclass helped them power away from their opponents on Sunday.
The two sides were locked up at 12-all at half-time before the Jets stepped up their attack in the second half to run away with the match.
The Knights were the first team to score through fullback Fletcher Sharpe before the Jets hit back with a spectacular try.
Jets halfback Niwhai Puru sparked the play after finding space down the wing before fullback Liam Ison dodged the Knights defence with a dummy to dive over the line. Mawene Hiroti landed the easy conversion to lock the scores up at 6-all.
Jets winger Tom Rodwell made an 80-metre sprint down the field after a crucial line break, but tenacious defence from Newcastle kept the winger from notching a try.
The Jets took advantage of the shift in momentum for Brad Fearnley to score and take the lead with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.
Two consecutive six again calls for the Knights worked in their favour after Pryce delivered a cut-out pass for Laitia Moceidreke to storm towards the left corner. Pryce converted and the scores were locked up again at 12-all.
The Jets opened the second half with back-to-back tries courtesy of some silky hands and quick plays down the left wing. Hiroti landed one conversion whilst the other curved just past the post, but the Jets were on top at 22-12.
A defensive error left the Knights vulnerable and Ison scored again next to the posts and then converted his own try to extend the lead to 16 points.
Jets back-rower Billy Burns put on a big left step to secure his first try and was in again three minutes later after backing up a long-range break from Ison.
Rhys Dakin scored from a crash play in the final five minutes, before Puru brought up the half century with 20 seconds remaining to help the Jets into the top 5.
Talking Points
- Coming into the second half, the Jets switched up their spine. The tactic was a great shift for the squad coming into the last 45 minutes of game time and solidified their dominance on the field.
Key Moments
The Jets scored three tries in six minutes early in the second half to take the match away from the Knights.
What's Next
The Newtown Jets will host top of the ladder competitors, the Penrith Panthers at Henson Park Saturday afternoon. The Newcastle Knights will play the BYE with a week off.
Lead photo - Mario Facchini
