Jets Keep Top-Five Spot with Hard-Fought Victory
Game Summary
The Newtown Jets held off a spirited South Sydney Rabbitohs comeback to claim a vital 14-8 victory in Round 22 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Henson Park, keeping their top-five status intact heading into the final month of the regular season.
The Jets burst out of the blocks, with Mawene Hiroti crossing for the first try inside the opening 10 minutes after a sharp sequence of play. Hiroti was denied the conversion, leaving the score at four-nil, but the momentum was firmly with Newtown.
The Jets doubled their advantage not long after when prop Braden Uele powered over from close range following good lead-up work through the middle. The conversion was again missed, this time by Niwhai Puru, leaving the margin at eight points, a lead Newtown would carry into half-time.
South Sydney pressed throughout the first half but were repeatedly frustrated by the Jets' defensive line. The Rabbitohs earned several penalties near the try-line and had the ball deep in Newtown's territory on multiple occasions, yet the Jets' defence held firm to preserve the clean sheet at the break.
The second half saw South Sydney control much of the territory and possession, but they remained unable to translate it into points until the 54th minute when a fortunate sequence, a grubber kick from Moala Graham-Taufa and a flick from Alan Holton, resulted in a try that brought the Rabbitohs back to 8-4. Jonah Glover converted to make it 8-6, setting up a grandstand finish.
Glover then levelled the scores at 8-8 with 15 minutes remaining after Max McCarthy was caught high, splitting the posts with a composed penalty kick. For a period, it appeared South Sydney had the momentum to steal the win.
Mawene Hiroti proved the match-winner, taking a well-placed bomb from Taj Ford to score and restore Newtown's lead at 14-8, with Puru adding the conversion to extend the advantage to six points with around seven minutes remaining. That buffer proved decisive as the Rabbitohs were unable to manufacture another scoring opportunity.
Talking Points
- Liam Ison was again outstanding for the Jets, continuing his electric form following last week's 258-metre performance against Manly. His carries, line-break threat and work in defence were central to Newtown's win.
- Jonah Glover was South Sydney's standout, contributing with his boot and creating chances with the ball in hand. His two goals from two attempts were ultimately not enough to get the Rabbitohs over the line.
- Tim Johannssen was tireless for the Bunnies in the middle third, taking carry after carry and providing a consistent platform, but the side was let down by inaccuracy in key moments close to the Jets' try-line.
Key Moment
With the scores locked at 8-8 and seven minutes remaining, Mawene Hiroti took a towering bomb from Taj Ford to score his second try of the afternoon. Puru's conversion extended Newtown's lead to six points and, combined with a late Isaiah Tass sin-binning that handed the Jets a penalty, effectively ended South Sydney's hopes of a comeback.
What's Next?
The Jets travel to face St George Illawarra next week before returning to Henson Park to host the Canberra Raiders on August 15. For South Sydney, they return to Redfern to face Parramatta, with their top-five spot hanging by a thread on 28 competition points, equal with Newtown and the Warriors.
