by Newtown Jets Media
The Newtown Jets commenced their pre-season training program on Monday, November 19. The Jets are beginning the first year of a five-year extension in their successful rugby league partnership with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
No doubt the Jets will be determined to put the disappointment of their narrow Grand Final loss to Canterbury-Bankstown behind them. Coach Greg Matterson, moving into his 12th season as head coach of the Newtown club, says that his charges will be "looking to take off from where they left off at the end of last season".
Matterson added that he is confident that the club is assembling a pool of players that will be capable of finishing one place better than the season just completed.
Players retained by the Newtown RLFC thus far include Wes Lolo, Jimmy Jolliffe (also Sharks NRL training squad), Matt Evans, Jack A. Williams, Addison Demetriou, Tyla Tamou and Royce Tout.
New signings with the Jets include lock forward Siosifa Talakai (ex-Souths, Penrith and Junior Kiwis), Chris Tupou (ex-Cronulla) and Luke Polselli (Sharks Jersey Flegg-NRL training squad). The only confirmed departure from the club so far is centre Reubenn Rennie who has committed to a full-time pre-season program with the Canberra Raiders.
Changes to the consist of the Intrust Super Premiership NSW competition for 2019 include the return of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with North Sydney entering into a five-year partnership with the Sydney Roosters. Wyong Roos have withdrawn from the ISP NSW competition.
Photo caption:
NSWRL referee Gavin Reynolds takes evasive action as Newtown Jets prop Wes Lolo scores against Penrith at Henson Park in 2018.
Photo:
Mario Facchini, mafphotography
