Recap | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup - Round 18

Panthers hold off fast-finishing Rabbitohs for back-to-back wins

Stewart Moses

Match summary

It was a tale of two halves at Parker Street Reserve tonight as the Penrith Panthers opened up a 30-16 lead before being held scoreless in the second half, but still held on to record an important 30-26 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 18.

The four-point margin replicates their winning margin over the Rabbitohs from earlier in the season but importantly allows the Panthers to maintain their chase for fourth spot, drawing level with the Newtown Jets.

Two early tries to the Rabbitohs in the opening five minutes, through winger Declan Casey and Ashton Ward from consecutive sets stunned the hosts, leading 10-0. But the Panthers replied with a try to makeshift centre Harrison Hassett from a cross-field Zac Lamont kick to trail 10-6 after 11 minutes.

It didn’t take long for the Panthers to soon hit the lead, taking advantage of several six-agains inside Souths’ 20 when hooker Luke Sommerton went himself from dummy-half to score next to the posts in the 15th minute.

But in keeping with the topsy-turvy start to the game, a Penrith error from the kick-off gifted South Sydney a prime attacking opportunity which they duly converted when lock forward Shaquai Mitchell crashed over next to the posts from close range, to help Souths regain a 16-12 lead after 20 minutes.

A Jack Cole 40/20 paid instant dividends for the Panthers as they levelled the scores through a quick shift lift providing an overlap for Asu Kepaoa to score in the northwest corner in the 23rd minute, with Cole unable to convert from the western sideline. 

Another South Sydney error from the kick, followed by a six-again and penalty, allowed the Panthers to take the lead for the second time in the half when prop Riley Price broke the line and somehow found his way to the try-line to score next to the posts, giving the home side a 22-16 lead after 29 minutes.

A Rabbitohs error this time in possession inside their own half, was punished by the Panthers with centre David Fale swooping on the loose ball and streaking 30m to score out wide and give the home side the biggest lead of the game, 28-16 four minutes out from the main break.

A penalty goal from Cole after the siren, gave the Panthers a handy 30-16 lead to conclude a high-scoring first half.

The Rabbitohs found their way back into the game after Panthers prop Austin Dias was sent to the sin bin in the opening set of the second half for dissent. South Sydney scored in the 49th minute through interchange forward Tayson Fakaosi, who was too strong for Zac Lamont to handle one-on-one close to the try-line, and with Ashton Ward’s successful conversion the Rabbitohs trailed 30-22.

The Rabbitohs set up a grandstand finish when a quick shift right in the Panthers’ 20 ended with winger Declan Casey reaching out to score his second try of the night, this time in the northeast corner, to trail 30-26 with nine minutes remaining.

Despite some late attacking opportunities for the visitors in the closing minutes, the Panthers showed just enough in defence to hang on for an important 30-26 win after being held scoreless in the second half, to maintain their hold on a top-five spot.

Talking points

• Souths’ star recruit Brandon Smith was named earlier in the week to make his first appearance tonight, but was withdrawn from the side. 
• Rabbitohs back-rower Jacob Host was also a notable absentee from tonight’s side, as was Jayden Sullivan (injured).
• The Panthers came into this game in fifth position with Daine Laurie, Paul Alamoti, Brad Schneider and Matt Eisenhuth unavailable, as potential cover for their NRL teammates taking part in the upcoming Origin decider.
• Panthers’ Jesse McLean earned a reprieve being called back into the side following last week’s demotion to Jersey Flegg.
• South Sydney prop Sean Keppie was put on report late in the first half, while Penrith prop Austin Dias was sin-binned for dissent in the opening set of the second half. 

Key moment

Four lead changes featured in a crazy first half that saw 46 points scored. But it was the Panthers who scored 18 unanswered points leading up to the break, taking advantage of crucial Rabbitohs errors and establish a lead that proved just enough to withstand South Sydney’s fierce second-half fightback to record the win.

What’s next?

The Rabbitohs will be desperate for victory next Saturday in Round 19 when they travel to MacDonald Jones Stadium to take on the last-placed Newcastle Knights. The next day, the Panthers will be looking for consecutive wins against western rivals the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium. 

Canberra Raiders v Western Suburbs Magpies

Lobb swoops late as Magpies take down Raiders at GIO Stadium

Tahlie Gavin

Match summary

A game-changing last 10 minutes saw the Western Suburbs Magpies snatch victory from the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium.

The Raiders started strong with two tries in the first 12 minutes. The Magpies began getting into their work at the back end of the first half and managed to answer back with one try as the Raiders led 12-6 at half-time.

A thrilling second half saw the Raiders leading right until the end, where back-to-back tries saw the Magpies seal the deal in the nation’s capital, 22-18.

An early penalty for a high shot saw the Raiders attacking in try-scoring territory. Danny Levi’s quick passing to prop Mitchell Prest saw him charge his way through the Magpies’ defence to score the first points of the afternoon under the posts. Adam Cook added the extras taking the Raiders to an early six-point lead.

A forced drop-out for the Magpies again saw the Raiders in prime attacking position in the 13th minute. A quick play-the-ball saw Danny Levi shift a pass to lock Myles Martin, who put on a big right-foot step to skip his way over the try-line. A successful conversion from Cook saw the Raiders lead 12-0.

The Magpies found their first points of the afternoon through lock forward Jaxon Rahme. From dummy-half, Rahme read the Raiders’ defensive line well as he slid his way under the posts to score. Kurt Falls converted successfully giving the Magpies a six-point deficit at half-time.

The Raiders began the second half with a try after a quick play from dummy-half saw Jordan Martin come up with the ball and burrow his way over to score. Cook added the extras taking the Raiders’ lead to 18-6.

Raiders’ late inclusion Atini Tuialii went down in back play with a cramp whilst the Magpies were on the attack. A smart move saw the Magpies utilise the 12-man defensive line as they moved the ball out to the left edge for winger Izaac Tu’itupou to score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful as the score read 18-10.

With eight minutes left, the Magpies turned nothing into something as Alex Lobb put in a great kick chase to keep the ball alive. Lobb dummied before getting a pass away to second-rower Elie El-Zakhem, which saw him run his way over the try-line. Falls converted the try taking the Magpies to two points behind.

The very next set, Alex Lobb produced another great kick chase as he regained possession of the ball to score and give the Magpies the lead. Another successful conversion saw the Magpies now leading 22-18 as the full-time siren sounded.

Talking points

• Magpies forward Jayden Tanner was taken from the field in the first half for a head injury assessment (HIA).
• Raiders fullback Chevy Stewart didn’t return to the field in the second half due to NRL 18th-man commitments.
• Magpies’ Joe Lovodua was placed on report for a tackle on Pasami Saulo.
• Raiders lock Myles Martin left the field with what appeared to be an ankle injury in the second half.

Key moment

Back-to-back kick-chasing efforts from Magpies winger Alex Lobb saw the Magpies turn around an eight-point deficit to secure the win. His first kick-chase saw him fly above the pack before getting the ball away to second-rower El-Zakhem to score. Just a minute later he found the try-line himself after running upfield to chase Kurt Falls’ kick.

What’s next?

The Magpies head across the ditch to Auckland to take on the first-placed Warriors on Sunday 13 July. The Raiders will be treated to a bye in Round 19.

Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Knights power home for win over Bulldogs

NSWRL

Match summary

The Newcastle Knights picked up their fourth win of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup season on Saturday, securing a 26-18 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 18 after a strong second-half display.

In the early exchanges the Bulldogs started to gain the upper hand, eventually scoring in seventh minute through winger Jethro Rinakama with an attacking raid down the left channel. Centre Cassius Tia added the two points to lead 6-0.

Nearly 20 minutes later the Knights managed to hit back taking advantage of quality field position. From close range hooker Matt Arthur feigned right from dummy-half, before darting left for prop Jack Hetherington to muscle over and score. Scores were soon levelled at 6-6 with fullback Connor Votano’s conversion.

Canterbury-Bankstown half Mitch Woods made his mark on the contest in the 30th minute, taking the ball 10 metres out from the try-line then dummying and weaving through the Newcastle defence to score and put the visitors back in front. Tia’s conversion put the Bulldogs ahead 12-6.

Prior to the break Knights second-rower Jermaine McEwen found his way over the line for the home side, as Votano nailed the conversion taking the score-line to 12-all at half-time.

The Bulldogs responded within a minute of the second half kicking off, with forward Lipoi Hopoi latching onto the ball off the back of a chaotic passage of play after a kick was batted back on last tackle. While Tia converted to lead 18-12, the deficit only spurred the Knights on to try and turn the tables again.

Newcastle later surged back into the lead with tries either side of the 60-minute mark. The first of those came through left winger Sosaia Latu running onto floating pass from new recruit Jake Arthur, then McEwen supporting the halfback on the inside to complete his double. Votano converted both four-pointers and kicked a 73rd-minute penalty goal to maintain a perfect tally off the boot as the Knights came away with a much-needed 26-18 win.

Talking points

• Saturday’s result for the Knights not only marked their first victory since Round 12, but also their first win at home this season.
• After their second-successive defeat, the Bulldogs will need to hit form in the remaining eight rounds if they are to snare a spot in the top five.
• Halfback Jake Arthur had a strong first-up performance for the Knights since his mid-season switch from the Sea Eagles, setting up both second-half tries to help his side to victory.

Key moment

Newcastle’s match-winning effort in the 64th minute would end up being the key moment in the contest. It was the new man Jake Arthur who made the initial break with a double-pump and spin at the 40-metre line, then he found McEwen backing up to score untouched.

What’s next?

In Round 19 the Knights take on South Sydney Rabbitohs at McDonald Jones Stadium, while the Bulldogs head to North Sydney Oval to face the Bears.

Newtown Jets v North Sydney Bears

Jets outgun Bears in Grand Final rematch at Henson Park

Claire Stegbauer 

Match summary

The Newtown Jets have claimed bragging rights in the Frank Hyde Shield with a 36-22 win over the North Sydney Bears at Henson Park in a fiery Grand Final rematch. 

The game kicked off with intensity, with Max Bradbury’s thumping first-minute shot gifting the Bears the opening penalty. But the early pressure swung back the Jets’ way within seconds, and it was winger Eli Clark who got the scoreboard moving. 

Newtown swept out to their dangerous left edge in what looked like a set play. Clark flew high and wide to plant the ball down spectacularly in the corner, giving the hosts a dream start. Niwhai Puru added the extras from the sideline to make it 6-0. 

The Bears were yet to complete a set when opportunity struck. A charge-down off Puru’s clearing kick ricocheted perfectly into the arms of fullback Jake Toby, who dashed away to score under the posts. It was a welcome momentum shift and levelled the scores at 6-6 just 12 minutes into the half. 

The next period of play saw errors and stoppages creep into both sides’ games, with fatigue and intensity taking a toll. A crucial blow came for the Jets when starting prop Max Bradbury left the field early with an injury, prompting Bradley Fearnley to enter the contest, and it wasn’t long before he made an impact. Puru delivered a short ball to the front-rower, who barged through defenders and crashed over the line to regain the lead. Puru nailed the conversion to push the score to 12-6. 

While the Bears showed resilience in defence, they continued to shoot themselves in the foot with errors coming off their line. Despite defending multiple sets, the dam finally broke when Billy Burns poked a crafty grubber through the line. It bounced perfectly into the hands of Michael Gabrael, who made no mistake grounding the ball for Newtown’s third try of the day. Puru added the extras again to stretch the margin to 18-6. 

But the Bears wouldn’t go into the sheds quietly. Off a Jets scrum feed gone wrong the Bears pounced, shifting right through Moses Leo, who flicked a classy pass out wide for Israel Ogden to dive over. The conversion was missed, but the Bears stayed in touch at 18-10 heading into the break. 

The second half opened with renewed energy from both forward packs. Bears interchange forward Gabriel Satrick stood tall with strong carries, while Jets fullback Taj Ford impressed with his composure under the high ball and grubbers. 

It was the Jets who struck first after the break. Five-eighth Daniel Atkinson sliced through the Bears' line and drew defenders before handing off to Niwhai Puru, who floated a perfectly weighted kick toward the in-goal. Michael Gabrael was flying through to collect his second of the day – both off kicks. The conversion made it 24-10. 

From the next set the Jets exploded again with Puru breaking the line off the kick-off. A Bears offside penalty gifted the Jets another full set inside the red zone, and while the Bears survived that wave the pressure kept mounting. 

Eventually, it was too much. After another Bears knock-on, the Jets packed down a scrum just 10 metres out. With the Bears short on the left, Eli Clark capitalised and crashed over for his second of the match. The conversion went wide, but the margin had ballooned to 28-10. 

Moments later the Bears kicked out on the full handing the Jets yet another attacking opportunity. North Sydney managed to hold on, but a penalty in front of the posts allowed Puru to calmly take the two points, making it 30-10. 

Despite facing a 20-point deficit, the Bears weren’t done. For the third time in the match, they scored off Newtown errors. This time Moses Leo scooped up a loose Jets ball and turned on the jets to score under the posts, giving the visitors a sniff at 30-16. 

Two minutes later, the Bears stunned the crowd again. On the back of a strong field position Jake Toby poked through a soccer-style kick and halfback Harradyn Wilson backed it up brilliantly, pouncing on a lucky bounce to score. The successful conversion brought the Bears back within striking distance at 30-22. 

With a comeback on the cards and just minutes remaining the Bears had one final shot, but a forward pass halted their surge and handed possession back to the Jets. 

Fittingly, it was hardworking front-rower Felix Faatili who iced the game for the Jets. Off a simple crash play, he powered over the line to put the match out of reach. Puru added his fifth conversion to seal a 36-22 victory. 

Talking points 

• Newtown five-eighth Daniel Atkinson was a late inclusion into the starting side after originally being named in the reserves. His line-break early in the second half helped set up a crucial try for Michael Gabrael. 
• Jets prop Max Bradbury came from the field early with injury, with Bradley Fearnley stepping up off the bench and making an immediate impact, scoring a key try in the first half and making several strong runs. 
• Bears fullback Jake Toby was involved in two of his side’s four tries, including a clever soccer-style kick to help set up a try for Harradyn Wilson.

Key moment 

With the game still within reach midway through the second half, the Jets piled on repeat sets off the back of Bears errors and penalties. After multiple attacking waves, Eli Clark’s second try in the 61st minute – a hard-fought finish in the left corner – gave the Jets a 28-10 lead.

What's next?

The Jets are back at Henson Park on Saturday to host the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles from 3pm, before the Bears take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at North Sydney Oval the following day.

Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels

Match Summary 

Resilient Roosters shock in-form Eels in push for finals claims

George Al-Akiki

The Sydney Roosters have stunned the high flying Parramatta Eels in Round 18 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup with a dominant 38-18 performance at home.

After extinguishing some early pressure, first points came the tri–colours way when five-eighth Toby Rodwell spotted space down the right and shifted the ball to find winger Trey Peni, whose slick footwork saw him breeze past Parramatta fullback Te Hurinui Twidle (4-0).

Peni was in once more a few moments later in a nicely worked short side play from halfback Chad Townsend, the winger still having some work to do before finding the line (8-0).  

The Chooks halves continued to wreak havoc, this time combining on the left side as Townsend’s short ball put a barging Ethan Roberts through a hole, the second rower crossing for his side's third (14-0).

New recruit Junior Tupou added to the tally. The winger was put into space on the sideline, but in a brilliant move feigned back on his inside with a slick dummy fooling Twidle (20-0).

The carnage continued as Townsend scooped a loose ball and ran 50 metres before the halfback’s looping pass over the defence to reward Peni with a first half hat-trick inside 30 minutes (24-0)

Parramatta finally found points after 33 minutes as centre Araz Nanva exposed the defensive line, but Sydney kept their foot on the throttle in an uplifting set that finished with Peni planting down his fourth to end the half 28-6.

Parramatta made sure they earned first points after the break as a short ball from five eighth Matthew Hunter freed Kayne Kalache to link up with Saxon Pryke, before a barnstorming Wiremu Greig ploughed four Roosters defenders to reduce the margin to 10 points (28-18).

But the tri-colours regained their dominance after a mistake on Parramatta’s own line gifted possession to the home side, who wasted no time breaking through the middle to send Aston Warwick under the sticks (34-18).

Second rower Hayden Barton capped his sides brilliant game, breaking the line just inside his own half and then backing himself against the last line of defence to go over untouched in a 38-18 win.

Talking points

• The Roosters came out hard and fast, keeping a very sharp line compared to a flat looking Parramatta side. The home team shut down the Eel’s favoured right side attack the entire match, silencing star Bailey Simonsson who tried everything to lift his team.
• It was a day to forget for Parramatta fullback Twidle. His defensive woes hurt his side as Trey Peni got the better of him on two one-on-one occasions, before Junior Tupou and Hayden Barton did the same to help pile on the Roosters points.
• Chad Townsend’s resounding performance lifted his team. Despite a handful of missed conversions, the halfback had a hand in everything for the Roosters including multiple try assists, however in some concerns did not return from a second half-HIA.
• Roosters forward Junior Tupou showed why the Roosters signed him from the Dolphins, providing value metres up the middle for good field position, topped by a first try.

Key moment

Trey Peni was the star for his Roosters side but despite four tries, no better moment came than when at 24-6, the winger was cornered into his own in-goal. In a brilliant move Peni twisted his way out of trouble and dashed 60 metres up the field. He ended the set just as strong as he began it, planting down his fourth try in the corner.

What’s next?

The Roosters return to Wentworth park next week against an in-form Dragons side, while the Eels will look to bounce back as they head back home to face Penrith in the local rivalry.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v St George Illawarra Dragons

Match Summary

Dragons bounce back into the winners circle 

Alex Hrissis

St George Illawarra Dragons have defeated the Manly Sea Eagles 30-22 at Brookvale Oval in Round 18 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup to extend their second place lead and tighten the gap on the first placed Warriors.

St George Illawarra opened their account first in the opening ten minutes after Lachlan Ilias put in a chip kick over the defense which bounced perfectly for his halves partner Jonah Glover who scored with ease. Glover converted his own try from directly in front to give his side a 6-0 lead.

The away side made it back to back tries to double their lead over the Sea Eagles when some tidy passing down the right found Glover who passed a cutout ball over the defender to Lyric Craft-Te Moananui. The speedy winger dived in the corner to score in his NSW Cup debut.

It was one way traffic at Brookvale Oval as the travelling Dragons scored a third try, this time down the left edge. Some quick passes found Hayden Buchanan who tapped the ball out to Jesse Williams who dived in the corner to score and extend the score to 16-0.

Dragons scored again to extend their lead to 22-0 shortly before halftime. Hooker Haele Finau jagged a sneak try from the play-the-ball to surprise the Manly defence.

The home side finally got onto the score board through Semisi Kioa. Some last ditch passing down the left edge found Kioa who was wide open and scored with ease just seconds before the siren to make the score 22-4 heading into halftime.

The home side picked up where they left off after halftime as Semisi Kioa bagged himself a double. Halfback Joey Walsh put in a tidy grubber for the young centre who dived on the ball just before the line. Brandon Wakeham added the extras to make the score 22-10.

Manly scored three in a row as they looked to mount a second half comeback over the Dragons. Lock forward Caleb Navale received a tidy short ball and barged through the defence to crash over underneath the posts. The extras were added to tighten the score to 22-16.

St George Illawarra bounced back to score their first try of the second half through Charles Heidke. Ilias floated a cross field kick in the air and Heidke leaped in the air to catch the pill and scored himself a try. Glover nailed the conversion to push the score out to 28-16.

A late penalty was awarded to the Dragons where they opted to take the two and pushed the score out to 30-16.

Manly scored themselves a late consolation try as Brandon Wakeham made a line break through the middle to go on a run before passing inside to Clayton Faulolo who scored with ease underneath the posts. The try was converted to make the final score 30-22.

Talking Points

• Jonah Glover had himself an impressive game for the Red V as set up a try and scored one himself as he steered his team to victory
• Semisi Kioa was a shining light for the Manly Sea Eagles as he bagged himself a double

Key Moment

Manly had scored three tries on the trot in the second half to tighten the score to just six points after going down 22-0 however a try from Heidke in the second half extended the lead and spurred the team on to win the match.

What’s Next?

In Round 19 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup the Manly Sea Eagles will head to Henson Park to face off against the Newtown Jets while St George Illawarra Dragons will play Sydney Roosters at Wentworth Park.