The Newtown Jets claimed a dominant 25-10 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round Seven of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Henson Park on Anzac Day, in what was a special night under lights — the first time the Jets had played at home under lights since 2016.
Game Summary
The Bulldogs drew first blood in the 11th minute when skipper Logan Spinx crashed over from close range after Alex Conti put him through a gap on the left edge. Conti could not convert, and the Bulldogs led 4-0. It was Spinx's 17th try in just 24 NSW Cup appearances, a remarkable record for the 20-year-old captain.
The Jets weathered early Bulldogs pressure and gradually found their feet. The momentum began to shift when Liam Ison — making his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in Round One the previous year — burst through a gap and made 30 metres, setting the platform for the Jets to score through Riley Jones.
The Jets scored again through prop Tuku Hau Tapuha, who crashed over in the 26th minute after Jayden Barrel found him in space off a quick play-the-ball. Niwhai Puru converted and in the 31st minute the Jets went further ahead when Sione Katoa stepped off his right foot and scored out wide, with Pru again converting. The Jets led 18-4 at half-time after a spirited final 20 minutes of the opening half.
The second stanza was all Jets. Blake Hosking crossed in the 71st minute following a powerful run, busting through scattered Bulldogs defence after a perfectly weighted Puru pass. Riley Pollard slotted the conversion to make it 24-10, and the Jets held firm until Puru slotted a field goal in the 79th minute to ensure victory.
The final score of 25-10 was a just reward for the Jets' second-half effort, with Puru's kicking game, Barrel's work at dummy half and the powerful carries of the forwards proving the difference.
Talking Points
Logan Spinx was the one bright spark for the Bulldogs, bagging a double to take his season tally to seven tries in six games — a remarkable strike rate for the Bulldogs skipper.
The Jets' pack provided the foundation for victory, with Hau Tapuha, Bradley Fearnley and Blake Hosking all impressing with their post-contact metres and carry numbers throughout the 80 minutes.
Key Moment
The key moment came in the final minutes of the first half. After trailing 4-0, Ison's burst through the line changed the game's momentum entirely. From that carry, the Jets scored twice before the break and never trailed again.
What's Next?
The Newtown Jets will look to continue their winning run as they head into Round Nine sitting comfortably in the top half of the ladder. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will need to regroup quickly, with their finals campaign in the balance after back-to-back losses.
