Kiki and Sassy's NSW Cup blog

Our first assignment led us to the Newtown Jets' homeground, Henson Park, which is kind of a special place. And we don't just say that because you can buy a KB and a diet coke for $6 at the Henson kiosk, or because we can bring Sassy's greyhound Dolly Parton with us to watch the footy. Although that is pretty awesome.

A visit to Henson Park is like travelling back in time ... in a good way. Spending a winter afternoon in the sun watching the Bluebags go round while you much on a snag sandwich is an essential Sydney experience.

The Newtown Jets aren't strictly 'reggies'. Even though they are a feeder club for the Sydney Roosters, they're a stand alone club with a unique history and culture. And they still have some of the most passionate fans in you will ever meet. Over a few schooners at the after match presentation, we asked a couple of lifelong Jets fans what the team meant to them. The answer was "EVERYTHING". And even though they love their club with all their hearts, they don't necessarily want the Jets back in the NRL competition; they adore them just as they are.

They also have possibly the most original cheerleader in league. Seriously, try and find any one more awesome than John Trad, riding his unicycle around the field flying the Newtown Jets flag; we dare you. Our favourite part is late in the afternoon when he lets little kids take over his flag duties cause he's "a bit pissed". He cares about safety! He's even a historically accurate fan, considering that Henson Park was a velodrome at the 1938 Empire Games.

When we watched the boys' win against the Auckland Vulcans this season, the team's first step after the game was to head over to the hill to thank the fans ... and be hugged by them; which is the same thing they do every week. Apparently some of the new players each year - the ones who aren't much for PDA - are slightly horrified the first time they realise they're about to be bear-hugged. But we swear by halfway through the season you can see in their eyes they all love it.  Don't lie boys, you totally do.

The Jets boys are also philanthropists: we're super-happy that two of them have already volunteered to star in a 'Men of the NSW Cup' calendar for 2010 to raise money for charity. Can't you imagine it? We think it'll be an absolute hit.

And the staff and administrators are pretty much philanthropists too: like a lot of small clubs the Jets are run on ... well, they're run on about as much money as we make blogging. Does that sum it up for you? But at heart, they're all Bluebags. We counted at least two born within 100 metres of the walls of Henson Park, and even met Newtown royalty: men descended from the legendary Charles 'Chicka' Cahill. And they make it work by calling in favours, selling the most kick-ass league merchandise we've seen, and keeping the Newtown history alive. The gorgeous John Cahill sums it up as "running on the scent of an oily rag". We think the scent of the Newtown Jets is more like the scent of green grass, sausage sizzle, and maybe a hint of Brut from the crowd.

To be honest, this wasn't our first trip to Henson. We are actually closet Jets fans and we'll definitely be there again, but in the meantime we're doing the rounds of the NSW Cup teams to watch them play, meet the players and fans, and give you the vibe of everyone we meet. Next stop: Leichhardt to hang with the Balmain Tigers.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the NSW Rugby League.