The Newtown Jets held off a fierce Canberra Raiders comeback to win 42-30 in Round 24 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Henson Park.
Newtown set the tone early, scoring five tries inside the opening 25 minutes to surge to a 30-6 lead. Chris Vea'ila and Kristian Dixon were at the heart of the early blitz, both crossing before the 10-minute mark, while Riley Pollard, Niwhai Puru and Liam Ison also dotted down as the Jets moved the ball with width and precision. Puru was flawless off the tee during that period, slotting conversion after conversion to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Canberra looked down and out but produced a stunning response, scoring three tries in the space of nine minutes through Sione Finau, Chevy Stewart and Jalen Afamasaga to trail just 30-24 at half-time. What had been a rout suddenly became a genuine contest, and the home crowd grew increasingly nervous as the Raiders found space out wide.
The second half opened cagily, with both sides trading territory before Jaxon Lavender crossed for the Jets to push the margin back out to 10 points. Puru’s conversion made it 36-24, and it appeared Newtown had regained control.
Canberra refused to fold, however, with Jordan Uta breaking through late to close the gap to six points at 36-30, setting up a tense final quarter. Both defences tightened considerably, with just the one try apiece exchanged after the break until that point.
With the clock ticking down, Newtown found the composure to close out the contest. Dixon completed his double in the corner with under four minutes remaining, and Puru's touchline conversion sealed the 42-30 victory at Henson Park.
Talking Points
- Kristian Dixon’s double, including the match-sealing try in the corner, was the difference between the two sides.
- Canberra's response after trailing 30-6 was remarkable, with three tries in nine minutes turning a rout into a contest.
- Niwhai Puru's goal-kicking was outstanding under pressure, including a touchline conversion to put the result beyond doubt.
- The Jets' defence held firm in the final 10 minutes despite Canberra dominating field position.
Key Moment
Christian Dixon’s second try, scored in the corner with under four minutes remaining, extinguished Canberra's hopes of a remarkable comeback and effectively sealed the win for Newtown.
What's next?
The Newtown Jets close out their home season next Saturday with a big game against the North Sydney Bears, while the Raiders return home to host the Parramatta Eels.
