Recap | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup - Round 19

Newtown Jets v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Jets edge out fast-finishing Sea Eagles

Anthony Eltarraf

Match summary

A penalty goal proved the difference as the Newtown Jets held off a fast-finishing Manly Warringah Sea Eagles outfit to claim a handy 26-24 win at Henson Park on Saturday afternoon.

It was a thrilling start to the contest, with winger Samuel Stonestreet announcing his return in style. Almost seven minutes in, the Jets set up a scrum on the left edge and Stonestreet took full advantage – chipping over the fullback and winning the race to his own kick for a dazzling solo try.

Manly hit back not long after through big man Caleb Navale, who charged over from close range to square things up at six-all thanks to Brandon Wakeham’s conversion.

Newtown’s left edge continued to cause headaches, striking again midway through the half. Blake Hosking burst through on a slick outside-in play and handed it off to Michael Gabrael, who finished off the move for the Jets' second of the day.

But the Sea Eagles weren’t going away. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega muscled his way through defenders and flicked a beautiful offload to Clayton Faulalo, who strolled over to tie the game once again.

A late penalty in the dying moments of the first half gave Newtown a chance to take the lead—and Niwhai Puru made no mistake, nudging the hosts ahead 14-12 at the break.

After a slower start to the second half, it was once again the Jets who cracked the scoreboard first. Stonestreet was involved again, burning down the sideline before linking up with Taj Ford in support to extend the lead.

Newtown kept their foot on the gas, and a well-weighted grubber from Puru into the in-goal was pounced on by Kyle Pickering. With Puru converting all four tries and slotting the earlier penalty, the Jets pushed out to a handy 26-12 lead.

Manly mounted a late surge, grabbing two tries in the final minutes to make it interesting. Zaidas Muagututia sliced through a gap before Faulalo snatched a loose ball to bag his second. But with the full-time siren sounding before the restart, the comeback fell just short.

Talking points

• The Jets' left-side attack proved too threatening for the Sea Eagles as they consistently found space and produced points down that corridor.
• Niwhai Puru dominated the game, guiding the Jets around the park and coming up with some brilliant plays to score points.
• Manly showed in the end how dangerous their attack could be but it proved too little, too late as they left themselves too much to do in the dying stages.

Key moment

A penalty just before half-time gifted the Jets an easy two points, which ultimately proved the difference between the sides as the hosts came away with a 26-24 victory.

What’s next?

The Jets play at home again next week as they host the Sydney Roosters, while the Sea Eagles hit the road again for a clash with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground.

New Zealand Warriors v Western Suburbs Magpies

Warriors extend unbeaten streak to 12

NSWRL

Match summary

The Warriors have picked up where they left off from last week’s bye, extending their unbeaten run to 12 games and recording a 15th victory for the season with a 22-14 win over the Western Suburbs Magpies in Round 19.

Although the home side flew out of the blocks to lead 22-0 at the main break, they survived a late Magpies fightback in the second half courtesy of a Taylan May hat-trick to claim two competition points at Go Media Stadium.

Winger Sio Kali was first to score untouched in the right corner at the eight-minute mark, with halfback Jett Cleary slotting the conversion to take an early 6-0 lead.

It was the Warriors’ right edge combination that struck again shortly after, this time as Kali batted back Luke Hanson’s kick for centre partner Ali Leiataua to slide over near the uprights.

The hosts then found success on the left edge as winger Edward Kosi crossed for a double before half-time, with Cleary’s three conversions for the half taking the lead to 22-0.

The Magpies did well to hold the ladder-leaders scoreless in the second 40 before eventually opening their account through May in the 69th minute. The centre went on to score two more for his hat-trick, but there was too little time remaining for the visitors to complete the comeback as the Warriors came away with a 22-14 win.

Talking points

• The Warriors have now confirmed their 2025 finals qualification with Sunday’s win.
• In just his second game back, and with his new club, Taylan May was back to his try-scoring best to produce a second-half hat-trick up against a strong Warriors outfit.
• Explosive Warriors centre Ali Leiataua made his return from injury, playing a key role with a try and try assist.

Key moment

Despite the Warriors already leading 18-0 at the time, it was Kosi’s second try just minutes from half-time that dented any realistic chances of a Magpies comeback. From close range the Magpies appeared to have stopped the Warriors’ fourth try, but Cleary reacted quickly to get a toe on the ball that was picked up by Hanson, who then passed it on the Moala Graham-Taufa with space. A simple draw and pass to Kosi put the Warriors ahead 22-0.

What’s next?

The Warriors are at home to the North Sydney Bears at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium on Saturday in Round 20, while the Magpies take on Penrith Panthers later in the day at Lidcombe Oval.

Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers

Eels hold on at home despite late drama

Ellery Behan

Game summary

Having absorbed two early sets on their line, the resilient Parramatta outfit advanced upfield off a seven-tackle set and drew first blood. Wrapping around the outside of the ruck for a quick short-side play, Matthew Hunter received the ball one-out from dummy half and shaped to pass before exploding off his left foot to beat his opposite man and score his fifth try in just eight matches this season, putting the Eels ahead by four.

After plenty of fast, end-to-end action, the visitors eventually hit back as Jack Cole floated across to the right side of the pitch and linked up with a charging Preston Riki who barged into the defensive line and came out the other side, opening Penrith’s account. Cole slotted the conversion to give them a 6-4 advantage.

But it didn’t take long for Parramatta to regain their lead, as Hunter came up with another brilliant play by poking a grubber in behind the defensive line that was pursued and planted down by back-rower Jordan Samrani.

Picking and probing for more points to take into half-time, the blue and gold found their way across the stripe through Joey Lussick’s trademark burrow out of dummy-half, crossing for his fifth try in six games this season. Te Hurinui Twidle converted from beside the uprights to bring a 14-6 lead into the sheds.

The home side extended their lead after the break with a brilliant play out the back, as Twidle took the line on before firing a short ball to a determined Richard Penisini who ran a perfect line through the defence and beat the fullback to score. Twidle converted from in front to put the Eels well and truly in the box seat with a 14-point upper hand.

The visitors were able to notch one back, as Billy Phillips isolated his defender on the hit-up and carried him towards the try-line, diving and reaching at full stretch to force the ball down on the line. Cole converted to bring Penrith back within eight.

Clawing their way back into the contest, Penrith shifted the ball out to their left edge as the halves linked up to give fullback Nick Murphy some early ball on the sweep. Murphy began to dig his way into the retreating defensive line, delaying his pass just enough to draw in the opposing winger before floating a pass over to Asu Kepaoa who crossed the stripe untouched to make it 20-16.

But the Panthers’ hard work was undone just minutes later, as a stray pass deep in Parramatta’s end found the turf and bounced up into the path of Jake Tago who scooped up the ball and ran almost the length of the field to score against his former club. Twidle added the extras from in front to put Parramatta ahead by 10 with seven minutes left to play.

A late try from the Panthers wasn’t enough to close the double-digit deficit, with the Eels securing a hard-fought 26-20 triumph at home.

Talking points

• Matthew Hunter’s blistering form continues, with his try and assist proving pivotal in the tight victory. The young five-eighth has totalled eight try involvements in eight matches this season.
• The Eels were able to remain composed and see their lead through to the hooter despite the Panthers putting together a fierce finish.
• Another try for Asu Kepaoa puts him level with the Roosters’ Tom Rodwell for most tries in the competition for 2025, crossing the stripe 15 times in 12 matches.

Key moment

With two minutes remaining and a 10-point difference between the sides, Penrith threw caution to the wind with offloads through the middle before the ball landed in the hands of fullback Nick Murphy. Swarmed by defenders, Murphy kicked ahead for himself and beat his opponents to the ball, closing the gap to just six points with a brilliant try. Penrith boldly elected not to attempt the conversion, giving themselves extra time to complete what would be a miracle comeback.

They shifted the ball out wide from kick-off, finding open pastures on the western touchline that brought them just 30 metres out from the Eels’ line. Jordan Samrani gave away a penalty for holding down the attacking player to slow momentum, leaving Parramatta to defend the last 30 seconds with just 12 men. Penrith threw plenty at the Eels’ defence, but the blue and gold held strong to turn away the visitors and secure a dramatic victory.

What’s next?

The Eels will look for back-to-back wins when they travel to Canberra on Saturday to take on the Raiders, whilst the Panthers are headed to the iconic Lidcombe Oval to lock horns with the Western Suburbs Magpies.

North Sydney Bears v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The North Sydney Bears and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs came into this match as two very equally poised sides, but the Bears asserted their dominance in style to come out 50-0 victors and keep their finals hopes alive.

The Bears got off to a great start after being given some golden opportunities early.

North Sydney worked hard to get into good attacking territory, and turned their first set of the day into points. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown batted Jesse Marschke’s bomb back to Matt Stimson, who kept it alive. After going through the hands of Ofahiki Ogden and Jake Toby, Tuipulotu Katoa was able to finish off a miraculous try.

The Bulldogs continued to face disciplinary issues and before long, Ethan Martin crossed for his first two tries in the red and black off the back of some brilliant ball-playing from Keiran Hayman and Jake Toby.

It was bordering on panic stations for the Bulldogs, who were down 14 points after 14 minutes. As possession and field position began to even up they found plenty of chances to attack the Bears' line, but a mix of handling errors and strong defence prevented them from crossing.

When the Bears found themselves back in prime real estate, Aitasi James became the second new recruit to find the line when he barged his way over shortly before half-time.

The match had entered a deadlock, with neither side scoring for the opening 20 minutes of the second half and both sides competing hard. Only some Bears brilliance broke the game open once more when Katoa took a powerful carry that bumped the defence enough for him to fashion an offload to Hayman, who chipped and chased down the left touchline to clinch another spectacular try.

There had only been one try in the 40 minutes prior, but the floodgates busted open after that special effort. Some slick ball-playing from the Bears big men Ogden and Phillip Makatoa saw tries scored by Bronson Garlick and Coby Thomas. When the Bulldogs attempted a short kick-off following Thomas’ try, the ball ended up back in his lap and he stormed 70 metres downfield to score a double inside a minute of play.

Scoring those four tries in 10 minutes, the Bears rapidly shot out to a 44-0 lead. Jake Toby was taken from the field for an early shower, and Martin was shifted to fullback as a result. He chimed in to a set play off a scrum to send Tuimalatu-Brown over for one last try and raise the bat for the red and black.

Talking points

• Keiran Hayman’s impact on this side can not be understated. He brought the excitement all afternoon with his dynamic ball playing, and brought another dimension back to North Sydney’s kicking game with his towering bombs.
• Tuipulotu Katoa was a revelation in the centres this afternoon. His carries out of his own end were effective and frequent, and he was dangerous in attack all afternoon, crossing for the first of the day and throwing an offload to Hayman for his try.
• Phillip Makatoa and Ofahiki Ogden laid an exceptional platform for their side, continuously finding their front and generating plenty of ruck speed for their backs to play off. On top of their physical dominance, their silky hands led to both of them chalking up try assists.

Key moment

The most stellar try of the day was also the most pivotal in this contest. Before Keiran Hayman scored, it was seeming like a matter of when, not if the Bulldogs would fight their way back into the game. The Bears had been defending their line for the majority of the second half up until this point. But when Katoa took that powerful run and flicked it out to Hayman, he worked his magic with a chip and chase in tight space and the Bears never looked back afterward.

What's next?

After their best performance of the year, the Bears will be hopeful they can snap the Warriors' winning streak at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland next Saturday. The Bulldogs will be looking to regroup when they return home to Belmore to take on Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons

Strong first half helps Dragons to victory

Alex Hrissis

Match summary

St George Illawarra Dragons have defeated Sydney Roosters 28-18 in Round 19 of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup to secure back to back wins further cement their second place spot on the ladder. Roosters scored an early try but the away side scored five unanswered tries to secure the two points.

Roosters drew first blood at Wentworth Park ten minutes into the first half when rising hooker Benaiah Ioelu scored a sneak try directly from the play the ball. The kick was converted to give the home side a 6-0 lead.

St George Illawarra bounced back on the 22nd minute mark following some repeated pressure on the Roosters’ 10 metre line. The silky hands of Lachlan Ilias found backrower Jacob Halangahu who eyed off Tyler Peckham-Harris and the fullback strolled over for a comfortable try.

Dragons made it back-to-back tries courtesy of Corey Allan as they were once again rewarded through repeat sets in the Roosters’ red zone. A clean pass from Jonah Glover down the right edge found Allan who busted through a tackle to score and hand the Dragons their first lead of the day. Glover converted the try for a 10-6 score-line.

The away side scored again to further extend their buffer over the Roosters through Mat Feagai. Ilias passed down the left edge to Hayden Buchanan who looked to take on his man but opted for a slick pass around the defender to Feagai, who scored with ease in his first game back from injury. Glover nailed the try to send the Dragons into half-time with a 16-6 lead.

St George Illawarra picked up where they left off in the second half and scored yet again – this time through Nick Tsougranis. Glover played a tidy short ball to Tsougranis and the back-rower busted through several tackles to crash over the try line.

Dragons scored their fifth try of the day as they looked to put this game to bed. A kick from Ilias landed past the tryline and following a quick scramble in the box from both teams it was Tyler Peckham-Harris who claimed his second try of the day. Glover converted the kick to extend the lead out to 28-6.

Roosters bounced back through Tom Rodwell as they looked to mount a comeback. The speedy winger fresh off his NRL debut received a cut-out ball from Sandon Smith and dived into the corner to score.

The home side scored back-to-back tries with 44 seconds to go to tighten the final score to 18-28. A tidy grubber kick from Toby Rodwell landed past the try-line and it was fullback Ethan King who dived on the loose ball.

Key moment

The Roosters and Dragons were embroiled in a tight affair just a minute before half-time until Mat Feagai scored a crucial try, which extended the Dragons' buffer and pushed them on to win the contest.

Talking points

• Charles Heidke had an impressive game for the Dragons as his tackle busting and his aerial presence was on full display.
• Toby Rodwell was a shining light for the Roosters in their loss as he showed off his long kicking and game management.
• The win for the Dragons makes it back-to-back wins for the second-placed side for the first time since their win streak was broken.

What’s next?

In Round 20 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup the Dragons will play the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval while the Roosters will play Newtown Jets at Henson Park.