Game Summary
Newtown produced a remarkable victory in one of the games of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup season, storming back from eight points down twice in the second half to defeat Minor Premiership contenders the North Sydney Bears 40-30 at Henson Park.
Needing a win to all but guarantee finals action in 2026, the Jets made the perfect start when Michael Gabrael crossed in the opening 10 minutes, converted by Riley Pollard to give Newtown an early 6-0 lead. North Sydney responded through Abiarthur Toi Tuilaepa's opportunistic finish to level the scores.
Pollard restored the Jets' advantage with a set-up from a rampaging Jayden Berrell, whose running game caused constant headaches for the Bears' defence.
The Bears fought back through Riley Meyn, then Kieran Hayman's boot to lead 14-12 at half-time, capping off a back-and-forth opening 40 minutes.
The Bears extended their lead early in the second half through Matt Stimson and another Hayman goal to push the margin to 20-12. But a stunning length-of-the-field try to Taj Ford hauled the visitors back within two, before a Riley Jones double swung the lead the Jets' way at 28-30.
Tuilaepa's second try of the afternoon for North Sydney restored the eight-point buffer with time running down, and it looked as though the home crowd's dreams would be dashed again. Instead, Berrell produced his third try assist of the day for Blake Hosking to burrow over under the posts, giving Newtown the lead with seven minutes remaining.
Pollard's boot proved the difference in a frenetic finish extending the margin to 34-30, before running in the game-sealing try and converting for the 40-30 win.
Talking Points
Jayden Berrell was instrumental throughout, having a hand in three tries and a string of strong runs from dummy-half.
Jake Toby and Liam Ison, the competition's two form fullbacks, each played starring roles, while Toby himself crossed for a crucial try.
Newtown managing to win from behind at half-time for the first time all season signals a side peaking at the right time heading into finals.
Key Moment
Jayden Berrell's line-break and grubber kick set up Blake Hosking's match-winning try under the posts with seven minutes remaining, snatching the lead back from the Bears for good after the Jets had trailed by eight points twice in the second half.
What's Next?
The Jets travel to Kellyville to face Parramatta Eels in the final round, while the Bears host Melbourne Storm on Saturday.
