Game Summary
Newtown Jets recorded their sixth successive victory in the final game of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup home and away season today, with a dominant 44-10 win against Parramatta Eels at Kellyville’s James Hardie Centre of Excellence.
Although the Round 26 clash wasn’t a must-win scenario for Newtown having already locked up a spot in next week’s Elimination Final, the in-form Jets turned up with the same attacking intent they have produced for most of the year picking up two tries in the opening 10 minutes through Braden Uele and Chris Vea’ila.
Sam Stonestreet was next on the scoresheet in the 14th minute when he dived over untouched from a Vea’ila offload, which was later followed by a try for right winger Kristian Dixon who scored in the corner after snatching an attempted Eels intercept.
Closer to half-time the Jets added to their lead with interchange forward Hohepa Puru breaking into space from their own half and finding five-eighth Taj Ford in support, who then turned Puru back inside for four more points. Dixon finished the half with four from five conversions helping Newtown to a 28-0 lead at the break.
The Eels finally stemmed the flow of points when winger Jordan Hill opened the second-half scoring, but it only halted the Jets temporarily before they ran two more tries through Stonestreet and prop Tuku Hau Tapuha.
With just under 20 minutes remaining the Eels responded with their second try, this time through back-rower Tyrese Lokeni, but the Jets quickly hit back when Jayden Berrell scored off a deflected grubber from dummy-half.
Eels outside back Devonte Vaivela continued his strong first season in the NSW Cup when he crossed for his 11 try in 14 appearances, yet it was the Jets who had the final say with a Khaled Rajab try in the dying minutes and a seventh Dixon conversion to round off the 50-16 final score.
Talking Points
The Jets head into the 2026 finals series with arguably the best form of the remaining sides, coming off six wins in a row to finish the regular season including four games scoring 40 points or more.
Sam Stonestreet late-season try-scoring form continued today, scoring multiple tries for the fourth time in as many games for the Jets.
Newtown’s forward pack could be key to their finals hopes after another dominant display, with props Braden Uele and Tuku Hau Tapuha also picking up tries.
What’s Next?
While today’s final-round game brings the Eels’ season to a close, the Jets will now prepare for an Elimination Final next week against defending champions the Warriors.
