Game Summary
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup returned to Henson Park on Saturday afternoon as the Newtown Jets defeated St George Illawarra Dragons 34-22 in Round 14.
The Dragons came out firing, dominating the opening exchanges and controlling possession. The pressure eventually told in the sixth minute when halfback Joseph O'Neill crossed near the posts, with winger Tom Kirk adding the extras to make it 6-0.
The red V were not done there. Off a high kick from O'Neill, Dragons debutant Key Andrews leapt above the Jets' defence to claim the ball and score in the corner. Kirk's conversion attempt fell short of the upright.
Newtown finally found a foothold in the game when captain Liam Ison broke from dummy-half, drew the fullback and found Taj Ford, who passed to halfback Riley Pollard for a run to the posts. Pollard converted his own try to make it 10-6, giving the home side belief.
The Dragons extended their advantage when Luciano Leilua combined with five-eighth Lyhkan King-Togia to score and push the margin back out to 16-6. Morgan Harper crossed in the corner to keep the Jets in touch at 16-12.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Kristian Dixon latched onto a short drop-out and powered over the try-line to level the scores. Pollard's conversion from the touchline was perfect, and the Jets went into the sheds with an 18-16 lead.
The seesawing nature of the contest continued in the second half. The Dragons retook the lead early when prop Jacob Webster crashed over from close range, with Kirk's conversion extending the margin to 22-18. But Newtown fought back through Liam Ison's offload from a contested high ball, finding Jaxon Lavender who scored wide out. Pollard again nailed the sideline conversion to push the Jets in front 24-22.
Harper then claimed his second try of the afternoon after good lead-up work from the halves to make it 28-22, before Pollard sealed the win with his second try in the final minute after the Dragons threw everything forward looking for an equaliser. Pollard converted to cap a brilliant individual performance, with the final score 34-22.
Talking Points
Riley Pollard was the standout performer on the day, finishing with two tries, five conversions from six attempts, and 18 points in a commanding display at halfback.
Kristian Dixon's physicality and post-contact metres were a constant threat throughout the contest. His try right on half-time proved to be the momentum-shifting moment that changed the complexion of the game.
Key Moment
With the Dragons leading 16-12 and the Jets pinned inside their own end, Newtown executed a short drop-out that caught the Red V off guard. Dixon collected the ball, shrugged multiple defenders, and crashed over the try-line in the final play before the siren. Pollard's conversion from the sideline handed the Jets an 18-16 lead at half-time and shifted the momentum heading into the second stanza.
What's Next?
The Jets travel to New Zealand next week to face the Warriors, while the Dragons have the bye next weekend to regroup before an away clash with the Newcastle Knights.
