Recap | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Round 19

Canberra Raiders extend winning run

Russ Haylock

Game Summary

A dogged Canberra Raiders outfit has extended their winning run in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup after holding on for a 24-20 win over a gallant St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium.

The Raiders suffered several injuries throughout the match, with Xavier Savage, Juwan Compain and Luke Webley all being forced off the field, leaving them with only one replacement on the bench for most of the second half.

It was the Dragons who opened the scoring, crossing the stripe in their first set as debutant Lyhkan King-Togia set up a try for Jackson Shereb, on the back of a great offload from lock-forward Alec Tuitavake.

Winger Alex Lobb added the extras, but less than 10 minutes later he came off second best to his opposite number Jed Stuart, who clung onto a Joshua James bomb and fought his way to the line.

Raiders new recruit and halfback Mitch Henderson started to make his mark on the match after setting up centre Brad Morkos with a nicely weighted grubber kick in the 26th minute.

The Raiders maintained the momentum after hooker Danny Levi grubbered for bench forward Jaxon Lavender to score in the 30th minute, and Henderson again set up Morkos to score down the right edge just before the break.

The visitors went in to half-time leading four tries to one, but only had an 18-6 due to some wayward goalkicking. Savage (quad) and Compain (arm) had already come off the field by this point, giving the Dragons some hope of mounting a second-half comeback.

They began slowly in the second stanza but were the first to score thanks to a lovely outside-inside play that put Treigh Stewart over the line in the 58th minute.

The Dragons crossed again in their next set after Lobb leapt high above the pack to score in the corner. He was unable to level the scores with his kick, leaving the match delicately poised at 18-16 with around 15 minutes remaining.

By this point Webley had come to the sideline with a shoulder concern, and with the Dragons red-hot the depleted Raiders began to tire with their lead reduced to just two.

With less than seven minutes left on the clock Dragons five-eighth Zach Herring went aerial looking for his chasers, but Nick Cotric was able to steam onto the kick before the chasers could get there.

He then charged away downfield and was able to fight off the chase of Treigh Stewart and score out wide. Henderson then snuck the conversion just over the crossbar to put the visitors up by eight.

Stewart was able to set up Max Feagai inside the last three minutes, but Lobb was unable to convert from out wide. This left the Dragons with too much to do in their last set, with the Raiders hanging on for an epic 24-20 win.

Talking Points

• Raiders made it three wins on the trot despite a slew of injuries.
• Mid-season signing Mitch Henderson starred on debut in his first The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup match since arriving from Newcastle.
• Lyhkan King-Togia debuted at halfback for the Dragons following a strong SG Ball Cup campaign with the Illawarra Steelers, and had a hand in two of their four tries.
• Late inclusion Jack Bird put together a strong second-half effort, helping to set up a try and attracting multiple defenders with each carry.
• Josh Allen and Joshua James (Raiders), and Jacob Webster (Dragons) were all forced from the field for HIA assessments. Allen was cleared to return, while Webster was unable to take any further part in the match. James was taken from the field with 10 minutes remaining and did not get a chance to return, but the signs were promising as he was seen back on the sideline at the end of the match.

Key Moment

Nick Cotric’s try in the 74th minute sealed the match for the visitors, after he ran 90 metres to score. Filling in at fullback for the injured Savage, Cotric was busy throughout the second half and stamped his authority on the match with a fine solo effort. Henderson’s conversion from close to the sideline then gave them an eight-point buffer, which was enough to get them home.

What’s Next?

The Raiders will look to keep their winning run alive next Sunday when they travel to Sydney to take on the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, while the Dragons are at home and will face the Panthers at Collegians Sporting Complex in Wollongong.

Newtown Jets v Western Suburbs Magpies

Magpies claim late victory against Jets

Hugo Lumb

Game Summary

The Western Suburbs Magpies pulled off one of their sweetest of victories for 2023 fighting back against a tough Newtown Jets outfit to take a 24-22 victory at Henson Park in Round 19 of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

They rebounded after a heavy 46-18 loss to North Sydney last week to grab their seventh win of the year – leading 14-10 at halftime over the top-of-the table Jets.

An early Jets error provided the platform for a great attacking set from the Magpies, finished off by winger Liam Scolari to score his side’s first points inside four minutes.

The Magpies continued their dominant start with towering prop Tukimihia Simpkins crashing over to extend the lead in the 11th minute.

Scolari then grabbed himself a first-half double to give Western Suburbs a surprising 14-0 lead inside 20 minutes.

After conceding three consecutive tries, Newtown finally clicked into gear forcing a repeat set and eventually utilising their field position to score through winger Samuel Stonestreet.

Newtown made it back-to-back four-pointers almost immediately with halfback Braydon Trindall putting back rower Kyle Pickering into a gaping hole.

Five-eighth Mawene Hirhoti landed his first conversion of the day, reducing the deficit to just four points in the 30th minute (14-10), which remained the score at the break.

With the wind now at their backs, the Jets scored a third unanswered try to take the lead for the first time, with fullback Conor Tracey finishing off a great attacking set in the 46th minute.

After the Magpies failed to capitalise on a period of good field position, the Jets increased their lead through crafty interchange hooker Samuel Healey, who ducked over for a four-pointer in the 58th minute.

Trailing 22-14, the Magpies threw everything they had at the Newtown side, chancing their arm in attack and defending valiantly.

The pressure would pay off with back-rower Jack Boyling crossing twice in the final 10 minutes levelling the scoreboard (22-22).

After a tough day off the kicking tee, battling windy conditions, halfback Zane Camroux slotted the conversion – handing back-to-back defeats at home for the Jets.

Talking Points

• After racing out to a 14-point lead inside 20 minutes, the Magpies had to fight for the upset victory. They were able to overcome some strong attacking sets orchestrated by the Newtown side to show great resilience in defence.
• The second straight defeat for the Jets at their beloved Henson Park was still a lot closer than the 34-point thumping they received from St George Illawarra a week ago.
• It’s obvious the Jets goal-line will need more attention if they want to remain in the top-four of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup as they conceded multiple tries from short range.

Key Moment

The double to Jack Boyling in the 72nd and 76th minute was what separated the two teams today.

What’s Next?

The Jets travel to Auckland to face a strong New Zealand Warriors next Sunday (16 July).

Meanwhile, the Magpies will look to build on today’s strong showing when they head up to the Hunter to face the Newcastle Knights on Friday (14 July).

Parramatta Eels v Warriors

Warriors Consolidate top-five spot with powerhouse win over Eels

Stewart Moses

The New Zealand Warriors overcame the pre-game loss of playmaker Ronald Volkman to grab two precious competition points at CommBank Stadium today with a scintillating 38-14 win over the Parramatta Eels.

The 10th placed Eels came into the game two wins adrift of the Warriors in fourth spot and needing to arrest a four-game losing streak to keep their finals hopes alive.

But despite leading 4-0 early, they couldn’t contain the Warriors midway through the opening half when the visitors scored three unanswered tries.

While the Warriors lose Volkman, the Eels also had personnel changes with Luca Moretti and Isaac Lumelume called to NRL duties. But they were bolstered by the return from injury of experienced NRL outside back, Waqa Blake.

Parramatta had the perfect start, when a Jordan Rankin cross-field kick was fumbled by the Warriors, allowing fullback Arthur Miller-Stephen to dive on the loose ball after just five minutes.

However, some sustained pressure on the Eels try-line was converted into points by the Warriors when dummy half Michael Sio drifted across field before finding lock-forward Kalani Going running a good angle. The Warriors had a 6-4 lead after 15 minutes.

From the kick-off, the Warriors went the length of the field to score again through Selumiela Halasima, courtesy of a flurry of passes between Ben Farr and Setu Tu. The Warriors increased their lead to 12-4. 

They led 18-8 at halftime after a Moala Graham-Taufa 75-metre try, even if the Eels peeled one back through back rower Jack Murchie on the stroke of half-time.

The Eels further reduced the margin when interchange forward Jacob Davis scored next to the posts (18-14) with 24 minutes remaining.

But the Warriors returned to their scintillating best when winger Tu hugged the touchline but kicked back infield for fullback Taine Tuaupiki to score (24-14).

Tuaupiki scored his second to push the lead out to 16, which quickly became 22 when Jacob Laban crossed and Eiden Ackland converted from the sideline.

Talking Points

• The Eels came into this clash looking to avenge their 48-4 Round Eight loss to the New Zealand Warriors
• Both teams’ form was patchy  in the lead-up – the Warriors having won just two of their last five games while the Eels were looking to overcome a four-game losing streak after enjoying a bye
• The match put the Warriors into double figures – 10 wins - to maintain fourth place on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder.

Key Moments

• The Warriors were breathtaking with the array of attacking skills on display, scoring some sensational tries.
• The Eels managed to drag themselves back to trail by just four points midway through the second half, but the Warriors put the foot down to score 20 unanswered points to close out the game.

What's Next?

Next Sunday, the Warriors return home to host the Newtown Jets, while on the same day – Sunday , the Eels host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a must-win clash at CommBank Stadium.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Dominant Bulldogs stay on top of the table

Alex Hrissis

Game Summary

The South Sydney Rabbitohs hosted the first-placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 19 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Accor Stadium, where a new look Bulldogs side put in a strong performance to comfortably defeat the Rabbitohs 16-44.

Canterbury-Bankstown struck first in this encounter when some slick passing down the left edge found Hayze Perham, who broke through the line and passed the ball out to winger Jonathan Sua. Sua sped down the wing and found Perham back inside, who crossed over for the first points of the day.

The Bulldogs doubled their lead just minutes after when halfback Bailey Biondi-Odo broke through a tackle and ran for 20 metres, before passing to his fullback Khaled Rajab who dived underneath the posts for a try. The try was converted to give the Bulldogs a 0-12 lead.

It didn’t take long for South Sydney to bounce back when some tidy combinations down the left edge found the hands of captain Tom Carr who used his pace to speed past the defenders and dive over for a try.

The Bulldogs responded swiftly when they found themselves with a repeat set in the Rabbitohs 10m line and a delightful cut-out pass found Jonathan Sua who dived over for his first try of the day. The conversion was waved away to leave the score at 4-16.

The combination of Hayze Perham and Jonathan Sua continued to blossom with Perham making a break and passing the ball out to Sua on the wing, who sped past the Rabbitohs defenders and ran around to place the ball directly between the posts.

The Bulldogs picked up where they left off in the second half with Perham scoring his second try of the afternoon. After finding himself with the ball 20 metres out from the tryline, Perham whizzed past several defenders to score a tidy solo try. Five-eighth Bailey Hayward converted the subsequent 2-pointer from out wide to extend his team’s lead to 4-28.

Canterbury-Bankstown continue to pile on the misery at Accor Stadium when halfback Bailey Biondi-Odo eyed a gap in the Rabbitohs’ defence and received a crisp pass from Hayward to charge through the middle of the posts and score himself a try.

The Rabbitohs finally bounced back and scored their first points of the second half when a quick pass found the hands of Zac Makelim and he crashed over the line to score the first try of his career. Tom Carr nailed the conversion to bring the score to 10-34.

The Bulldogs returned serve with just seven minutes remaining when five-eighth Hayward kicked a delightful grubber into the in-goal before regathering the ball to score off his own kick.

The Rabbitohs scored a late consolation try in the final 90 seconds when Zac Makelim received the ball, stepped past two defenders, and crashed over to score his second of the day.

This game was not without drama up until the last second as Bulldogs replacement hooker Ryan Gray broke through the line and found Paul Alamoti, who sprinted half the field to score in the corner right on the full-time siren for the Bulldogs.

Key Moment

Canterbury established their dominance in this game early, as they got out to a quick 12-point lead through Bailey Biondi-Odo’s assist for a Khaled Rajab try.

Talking Points

• The combination of Jonathan Sua and Hayze Perham on the left edge proved crucial in the Bulldogs win, with the pair combining for three tries in the first half.
• The reshuffled Bulldogs line-up which included Paul Alamoti, Hayze Perham and Harrison Edwards proved to be an effective gamble as their win keeps them on top of the table.
• Rabbitohs captain Tom Carr put in a strong performance in his side’s loss, making enormous metres on the wing and scoring himself a try.

What’s Next?

In Round 20 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup the Rabbitohs will face off against Parramatta Eels on Sunday afternoon, while the Bulldogs will host the North Sydney Bears on Saturday Afternoon.

Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights

The Knights Show No Mercy At Wentworth Park

Ella Mullins

Game Summary

The Newcastle Knights dominated the Sydney Roosters in their Round 19 match of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup piling on 28 second-half points for a 46-38 win.

Although the Roosters mustered four second-half tries themselves, enough damage was done early by the visitors to secure the victory.

The Knights were first to post point when second rower Dane Aukafolau swiftly out-manoeuvred three Roosters defenders nailing a try on the right wing. The conversion by Lachlan Miller was successful, giving the Knights a 6-0 lead.

A penalty goal and a powerful charge across the line by fullback David Armstrong, topped by another Miller conversion and the lead was out to 14-0.

The Roosters dry spell came to an end after Siua Wong made a successful dash for the line, converted by Jaxon Paulo to reduce the margin to eight points.

However, the Knights confidence was high and winger Laitia Moceidreke had no issues lighting up the left edge of the field, scoring in the corner five minuted before halftime (18-6).

Both sides traded tries early in the second half – centre Corey Allan for the Roosters and Aukafolau grabbing his double for the Knights. Momentum stayed with the Hunter side when captain Adam Clune crossed.

The Roosters then rattled off three tries – Riley Meyn, Jade Anderson and Drew Hutchison – but the Knights replied with three of their own through Armstrong getting his second, then centre Krystian Mapapalangi and winger Hymel Hunt.

Hunt’s try finally silenced the Roosters after he slipped past tired defenders with 20 seconds remaining. Another successful conversion by Miller wrapped things up 46-28.

Talking Points

• Knights fullback David Armstrong demonstrated skilful attacking play having a hand in key moments. Scoring two tries along with a try assist, Armstrong was a standout player on the Knights roster.
• Dane Aukafolau had a solid game, serving hard hit-ups that spoiled many playmaking attempts by the Roosters.  

Key Moments

• Brandon Smith had an impeccable try-saving tackle against Armstrong with five minutes remaining in the first half, to stop the scoreline from ballooning out too much at the break.  
• Armstrong’s try assist to Mapapalangi proved how dangerous their combination is for the Knights and how easily they can influence a game.  

What’s Next?

The Newcastle Knights host the Western Suburbs Magpies at McDonald Jones Stadium next Friday. Meanwhile, the Roosters will enjoy their second bye for the 2023 season.  

Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles v North Sydney Bears

North Sydney continues push for top spot

Mitchell Roese

Game Summary

North Sydney Bears have moved to within one point of top spot in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup after recording a come-from-behind 30-16 victory in Round 19 against Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles on Sunday.

The visiting Bears at HE Laybutt Field were able to shrug off a hot start from the Sea Eagles, who led 10-6 at halftime to claim dominance in the second on the back of four tries.

Blacktown Workers hit first in the 11th minute, five-eighth Dean Matterson providing a lofty cut-out ball to winger Ryan Garner. He pushed past defenders to score in the corner.

Bears winger Allan Fitzgibbon was tested aerially numerous times from the Blacktown Workers. He did have a moment to forget however, letting a wobbly kick from Matterson bounce multiple times - second rower Jacob Sykes racing through to scoop up the loose ball for a second Sea Eagles try.

Ill-discipline from the Bears attack at the Sea Eagles line caused several errors. But Jason Taylor’s men finally got on the board five minutes before half-time.

It came through some sweet backline shifts on the left edge finding winger Alfred Smalley in the corner. Kieran Hayman curling the conversion back between the uprights closed the deficit to four points at the break.

Taylor’s men went ahead in the 56th minute on the back of a repeat set. Another left edge shift was executed by Kieran Hayman, a sleek flick pass for Smalley to grab his second.

North Sydney advanced again on the back of a damaging hole run from captain Zach Dockar-Clay, setting up halfback Ben Stevanovic.

Stevanovic grabbed his second in the Bears next attacking set. Forward Reagan Hughes busted through the line and offloaded to fullback Josh Bergamin, who found his half in support.

Blacktown Workers hopes began to rise after centre Clayton Faulalo converted his own try four minutes from full time.

North Sydney though were quick to rule out any comeback, centre Toa Mata’afa crossing right on full time for a 30-16 victory.

Talking Points

• North Sydney continues to push for top spot in the NSW Cup competition, the victory putting them second on the ladder (26 points) or just one behind the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
• Bears forward Terrell May punished the Sea Eagles through the middle with some damaging runs racking up plenty of post-contact metres, while also keeping the ball free to off-load.
• Sea Eagles fullback and captain Jake Toby was solid at the back, especially with his kick coverage. No matter the kick pressure, Toby was extremely elusive in beating defenders and getting some go-forward for his side.

Key Moment

North Sydney’s try close to half-time was a turning point, by injecting life into the side and giving them momentum to start the second. They would go on to score four more tries conceding just one in the second half.

What’s Next?

North Sydney Bears will aim for the outright lead on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder, when they head to Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday to take on the Bulldogs. Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles host xthe Canberra Raiders on Sunday at HE Laybutt Field in Round 20.