The Newtown Jets produced a commanding performance at Henson Park, defeating the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 34-20 in Round 13 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
The Jets were quickest out of the blocks, with halfback Riley Pollard dotting down near the posts inside the opening exchanges after a well-worked set between the halves. Pollard converted his own try to give Newtown an early 6-0 advantage.
Manly hit back through five-eighth Onitoni Large, who crossed the try-line after the Sea Eagles built their way through field position with the help of halfback Joey Walsh. The conversion was missed, keeping the Jets ahead 6-4 as the contest tightened.
But it was Newtown who found another gear, with captain and fullback Liam Ison cutting through the line to extend the lead to 12-4. Dummy half Kobie Wilson then produced a stunning 40-metre individual effort, slipping out of dummy half and racing away untouched to leave Manly stunned. Jaxon Lavender added a fourth try before half-time after a line-break from Tuku Hau Tapuha created the opportunity to send Newtown to the sheds leading 24-4.
The second half started tightly, with the Jets applying pressure on Manly's line but finding the Sea Eagles' defence stiffened. Veteran interchange forward Bradley Fearnley eventually crashed over from close range to push the margin out to 30-4 after another successful conversion from Pollard.
Manly refused to wilt, with Aaron Schoupp crossing for a try off a pinpoint Walsh pass, before the Sea Eagles produced what will likely be remembered as the play of the match. From their own half, Walsh broke the line, weaved through the defence, and put Beau Newlands away on the right to complete an 80-metre intercept try.
The Jets responded with a try of their own in the very next set, with Ison taking a high ball under pressure and linking with Pollard, who sent Lavender away on the right-hand side to score his double. In the dying minutes, Schoupp grabbed his second to round out the scoring at 34-20.
Pollard finished with five conversions from six attempts, while the Jets' forward pack – led by the experienced Braden Uele and Oregon Kaufusi – provided a strong platform throughout.
Talking Points
- Joey Walsh continues to announce himself as one of the competition's brightest young talents. The 20-year-old, who has already made three NRL appearances for Manly, was the Sea Eagles' best player and orchestrated their 80-metre intercept try.
- Kobie Wilson's individual try in the first half was a reminder of the threat dummy halves can pose when opposition defences are flat. His 40-metre burst from close range shifted the momentum decisively in Newtown's favour.
- Despite the result, Manly showed significant second-half improvement, outscoring the Jets 16-10 after the break. The scoreline flattered Newtown given how competitive the second half was.
Key Moment
With the Jets leading 30-8 and the game seemingly in the bag, Manly's Beau Newlands completed an extraordinary 80-metre try off a Joey Walsh line-break that briefly threatened to ignite a remarkable comeback. The Jets responded with a try of their own almost immediately through Jaxon Lavender, effectively ending Manly's hopes and locking in the result.
What's Next?
The Newtown Jets will host the Dragons next Saturday at Henson Park, while Manly will be looking to regroup before hosting the Rabbitohs.
