Written by Claire Stegbauer
Wrapping up week 5 of the NSWRL juniors, with the season unfolding, teams find their pace, and players stand out with hat tricks galore.
UNE SG Ball Cup
Knights Rally Late to Overcome Roosters
The Raiders remain the team to beat in the UNE SG Ball Cup, sitting undefeated at the top after five rounds. Hot on their heels, the Eels are just one point behind, setting up a massive first-versus-second showdown next round.
Although there was a thrilling contest in the middle of the ladder, the Newcastle Knights secured a thrilling 38-32 victory over the Sydney Roosters in a high-scoring contest at the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence.
The Knights struck early with a try from winger Aidan Gow in just the second minute, and despite a strong response from the Roosters, the hosts kept pace to trail just 16-14 at halftime. Gow completed his hat-trick late in the match, leading a Knights resurgence after the Roosters had surged ahead 32-20 by the 47th minute, led by captain Jaxon Allen, the hooker showing his speed and leadership, breaking away from the line for a try of his own.
The Knights rallied with three unanswered tries, including a crucial effort from Jack Hilliar, before Haami Loza’s late conversion and penalty goal sealed the win. Both teams showed attacking flair, but Newcastle’s late-game composure proved to be the difference.
Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup
Bulldogs Dominate Sea Eagles but Lose Top Spot
The Bulldogs dominated their Round 5 clash against the Sea Eagles, storming to a 44-8 victory at Hammondville Oval. Asha Taumoepeau-Williams starred with a hat-trick, while Shanthie Lui contributed with a try and six conversions. The Bulldogs set the tone early, racing to a 22-4 halftime lead before piling on more points in the second half. Manly struggled to contain Canterbury’s relentless attack, managing just two tries through Maude Moon Havea and Katie Andrews. With yet another win, the Bulldogs continue to impress while remaining undefeated.
Even with their commanding win the Bulldogs lost their top spot on the podium after the Roosters beat the Rabbitohs convincingly 84-6. This point difference is enough to top the ladder.
SLE Andrew Johns Cup
Colts snatched victory in a country clash against Rams
The Monaro Colts staged a dramatic late comeback to snatch a 28-24 victory over the Western Rams in their Round 3 SLE Andrew Johns Cup clash at Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee.
The Colts dominated the early exchanges, racing to a 12-0 lead within the first seven minutes through tries to Drew Marshall and Nate Stokes, However, the Rams responded with back-to-back tries from Nate Vincent and Nate Martin, cutting the deficit to 10-12 at halftime.
Momentum swung in the second half as the Rams stormed ahead, with Eamon Miskell getting a double and Samuel Hill also crossing to establish a 24-12 lead. But just when the Rams looked in control, the Colts mounted a late surge.
Kayden Adams sparked the comeback in the 47th minute, before Young and Drew Kemp sealed the victory, with Young’s clutch goal-kicking making 4/5 conversions, proving the difference.
Both teams finished with five tries apiece, but the Colts' Marlowe Young's accuracy off the tee secured them a hard-fought 28-24 win.
Click here for results from the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Click here for results from the UNE Harold Matthews Cup.
Click here for results from the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup.
Click here for results from the UNE SG Ball Cup.
Click here for results from the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Click here for results from the SLE Andrew Johns Cup.
Click here for results from the SLE Laurie Daley Cup.
