Game Summary
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup delivered one of its games of the season at Henson Park on Saturday, as the Newtown Jets defeated the Sydney Roosters 33-32 in a breathtaking finish to celebrate 90 years since the club's first Premiership game at the ground.
The Jets burst out of the gates in electric fashion, scoring three tries inside the first 15 minutes to race to an 18-0 lead. Halfback Riley Pollard orchestrated the early blitz brilliantly, with five-eighth Taj Ford providing a superb assist for Nikora Williams' opener before fullback Cathane Hill bagged a double and Pollard converted two from the sideline to make it 12-0 inside 10 minutes.
Puru continued to terrorise the Roosters' defence with powerful ball-playing from lock, before Hill crossed for his second try to extend the margin to 18-0. It was a devastating opening that left the visitors shell-shocked.
The Roosters hit back just after the 15-minute mark when Owen Flaherty finished off a composed set to cut the deficit to 18-4. Tom Rodwell then crossed after a well-worked set move involving the Rodwell brothers, bringing the score back to 18-8 heading into the final minutes of the first half.
Harrison Hassett added a fifth try to the Jets' tally shortly before half-time — the result of some clever dummy half work from Pollard — though the conversion was missed, leaving Newtown ahead 22-8 at the break.
The Jets extended their lead to 28-8 in the second half when prop Felix Faatili powered over from close range, before Fetalaiga Pauga crossed for the Roosters to keep them mathematically in the contest at 28-14. Jaxon Lavender then dived on a grubber kick from Pollard to push the margin back out to 20.
Tries to Max McCathie, Reece Foley, and a long-range effort from dummy half Jaxson Allen — two tries in the space of two minutes — drew the Roosters level at 32-32 with minutes remaining. Toby Rodwell converted the final try to tie the scores and trigger a frantic finish.
With the clock winding down, Pollard steadied himself and slotted a field goal from in front to hand the Jets a 33-32 victory in one of the most dramatic finishes Henson Park has witnessed. The Roosters had one final chance but a knock-on from Tom Rodwell confirmed the result.
Talking Points
Cathane Hill was outstanding in the fullback role, scoring two first-half tries and providing consistent attack out of the back — a timely reminder of his value in that position for the Jets.
The Rodwell brothers, Toby and Tom, were central to the Roosters' comeback, with Toby setting up multiple tries and Tom crossing for one of his own. Their combination gave the visitors real hope in the final quarter.
Key Moment
With the scores locked at 32-32 and two minutes remaining, Pollard took the ball into first receiver and calmly split the uprights with a field goal — giving the Jets a 33-32 lead they would not relinquish. On a day honouring 90 years of football at Henson Park, it was the perfect way to seal a famous victory.
What's next?
The Jets have a bye in Round Seven before returning home to face the Canterbury Bulldogs. The Roosters face the Newcastle Knights at Wentworth Park next week, needing a win to keep pace with the competition leaders.
