The suburb of Newtown is a different place in 2017 to years gone by, however the ‘faithful’ turn up to Henson Park each week in numbers to cheer on their Jets, now partners with the Sharks in the Intrust Super Premiership.
And that parochial support now includes the current residents of the inner-city suburb and in showing their appreciation to many of their newest fans, this weekend when the Jets play the Bulldogs they will celebrate ‘hipsters’ day at their traditional home ground.
All those set to attend the game, which kicks off on Saturday at 3.00pm, are encouraged to bring a friend and to put on their best Hipster outfits as they throw their support behind the Jets in an important round 12 match against near-neighbours the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
While the atmosphere will be fun in the stands and the outer ground, the action on the field is set to be intense with the Jets desperate for a win to climb back into the top eight.
A narrow loss to ISP Premiers Illawarra last week saw Newtown slip to ninth, with a win this week essential should they hope to keep in touch with the leading teams as the competition approaches the half way point.
The Jets will be without young Sharks centre Jesse Ramien who was called into the NSW 20’s Origin team, with halves Daniel Mortimer and Fa’amanu Brown, along with winger Edrick Lee, called up into an extended Sharks NRL squad.
In something of a bonus however a new Sharks recruit in Jordan Topai-Aveai makes his Newtown debut, with the big strapping outside back set to make an impression with the Jets in his first outing.
Back rower Jayden Walker and Jack Williams have been in consistent form for the Jets and will need to be at their best if they hope to get the Newtown side home against the Bulldogs.
Entry is just $10, $5 concession, kids under 16 are free and for this week only, it’s free entry to everyone with a beard (stick-ons are allowed).
(Hipsters of the world unite! You’ve nothing to lose but your Espresso Macchiatos with caramel infusions, plus your smashed avocado, feta and poached eggs on sourdough toast with fresh mint and lemon breakfasts!)
There will also be plenty of fun for the kids on the DEICORP Family Hill featuring bigger than ever jumping castles, face painting, pass the ball, Ice Cream Joe’s Mr Whippy and Barista along with JETMAN.
Young Henrys NEWTOWNER, Natural Lager & Cloudy Cider is also available for all the Mums, Dads, Hipsters and over 18s.
Plenty of action on the field, a lot of fun off it at Henson Park on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.
ISP Team List – Round 12
Jets v Bulldogs
Saturday, May 27
Henson Park
Kick off – 3.00pm
1 Matt Evans
2 James Tuitahi
3 Jordan Topai-Aveai
21 Kenny Niko
5 Joshua Tuilagi
6 Leigh Higgins
7 Penani Manumalaelii
8 Kurt Dillon
9 Kurt Kara
10 Jaimin Jolliffe
11 Jack Williams
12 Jayden Walker
13 Jayden McDonogh
Interchange
14 Tepatasi Fuiava
15 Ben Fritz
17 Saulala Houma
18 Manaia Cherrington
26 Luke Towers