Second-half comeback seals it for the Jets

Laurie inspires Panthers to dominant win over Rabbitohs

Stewart Moses

Game Summary

The Penrith Panthers continued their unbeaten start to the 2024 season, with a strong 30-10 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Thursday night.

The visitors were able to overcome a five-day turnaround from their trip to New Zealand and 22-22 draw against the Warriors, to record their seventh win of the season.

After a seesawing affair for much of the first half, the first of three Daine Laurie tries scored right on halftime gave the Panthers the momentum they needed to go on with the job in the second half, keeping the defending premiers scoreless throughout the half.

The Panthers offset the loss of key players Jack Cole, Luke Sommerton and Tyrone Peachey with Paul Alamoti and Soni Luke. But the inclusion of Laurie at five-eighth proved the difference, scoring three unanswered tries to keep Penrith at the top of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder.

South Sydney opened the scoring early off the back of a penalty which allowed the home side to create numbers on the left edge, resulting in an acrobatic try to winger Carson Kaho in the northwest corner to lead 4-0 after just six minutes.

The Panthers didn’t take long to hit back, benefitting from a penalty to score in the southwest corner through winger Jesse McLean. With Alamoti converting from the sideline, the visitors led 6-4 after 13 minutes.

Penrith continued to dominate possession and were rewarded for their persistence when a quick play-the-ball and fast hands enabled McLean to score his second try, to increase the lead to 12-4 midway through the first half.

South Sydney got themselves back into the contest with some decent possession inside Penrith’s 20 and scored through half Jarrett Subloo, who showed quick presence of mind to hit the line at pace and score next to the posts from close range, to close the gap to 12-10 after 29 minutes.

Just as the Panthers looked likely to take a two-point advantage into the main break, a cross-field kick from half Trent Toelau was spectacularly taken mid-air by Laurie, who landed in the in-goal to score next to the posts and give the visitors breathing space leading 18-10.

Early in the second half, Alamoti looked to replicate his long-range intercept from last week’s NRL appearance but to no avail, dropping the ball despite 80 metres of open territory ahead of him.

The Panthers recovered from that near miss to come up with the play of the game to stretch their lead to 14, the biggest of the match. An offload just inside Souths’ half enabled Laurie to put McLean into space down the left flank, before the winger put in a deft inside kick back to Laurie, who was unmarked to regather and score behind the posts.

The Rabbitohs started to throw the ball about to get back into the contest but a loose carry deep in Panthers’ 20 enabled five-eighth Laurie to go the distance and score underneath the posts to seal Penrith’s seventh win of the season, 30-10.

Talking Points

- After a slow start to the season, Jesse McLean’s first-half double has the seen the winger score five tries in his  three games for the Panthers.

- The 30-10 win ensures the Panthers remain the only side yet to lose a game in 2024, maintaining top position on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder.

- The Panthers held the defending premiers scoreless in the second half, leaving the Rabbitohs with three wins from seven games.

- The win was Penrith’s first over the South Sydney in six games played at Accor Stadium between the two teams.

Key Moment

Key inclusion Daine Laurie was involved in most of the highlights including a leaping catch to score on the stroke of half-time. But that was surpassed with some visionary play in the second half, keeping the ball alive to put McLean into space before the winger had the presence of mind to kick back inside for Laurie to finish what he started.

What's Next?

The Rabbitohs will be looking to regroup next Saturday when they travel across town to Kogarah Oval to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons, while the previous night will see the undefeated Panthers return to BlueBet Stadium to take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Western Suburbs Magpies

Bulldogs prove to be too good for Magpies

Bethany Conlon

Game Summary

The Canterbury Bulldogs outclassed a tired Western Suburbs Magpies outfit on Saturday afternoon 42-12, making it five wins in a row to sit second on the ladder.

An error from Magpies forward Asu Kepoa gifted the Bulldogs with great field position with halfback Toby Sexton capitalising quickly, finding space in the defensive line to score.

Sexton converted his try for a 6-0 lead.

More ill-discipline from the Magpies gave the Bulldogs six tackles in front of the posts. The Bulldogs took immediate advantage, as edge back-rower, Kitione Kautoga crashed over in the 20th minute (12-0).

Sexton has the ball on a string for the opening half with the halfback kicking a a perfectly weighted grubber for forward Poasa Faamausili to pounce on a score (18-0).

The Magpies hit back through Asu Kepoa who threw a wide pass out to winger Solomona Faataape to finally get his team on the board in the 36th minute.

Winger Alex Lobb kicked the goal to reduce the deficit to 12.

The Bulldogs were gifted field position again as Magpies centre Josh Feledy coughed up possession. Bulldogs centre Eli Clark steamed onto the ball to score (24-6).

The Magpies found the line through back rower Sione Vaihu who backed up an offload from his centre to score under the sticks (24-12).

In fine form, Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton collected the rebound of his own kick to score in the 60th minute (30-12).

Jeral Skelton had the Magpies reeling, running 40 metres to get his team prime field position. Hooker Jake Turpin took advantage, burrowing under the posts in the 66th minute.

Looking fatigued, the Magpies conceded another penalty, allowing the Bulldogs to create an overlap for Skelton to score in the 71st minute.

Sexton remained perfect off the tee successfully converting all seven goals to help seal a 42-12 win for his team.

Talking points

- Magpies’ fullback, Stafford Toa left the field in the second half suffering a foot injury. The injury is not related to his pre-existing syndesmosis diagnosis.

- Toby Sexton scored 22 points this afternoon, pleading his case for the Bulldogs half back jersey.

What’s Next?

The Bulldogs head to the foot of the Mountain for a top of the table clash against the 1st placed Penrith Panthers, whilst the Magpies take on the 7th placed Knights at Lidcombe Oval.

Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders

Cook produces masterclass as Raiders run riot

Sam Kosack

Game Summary

Adam Cook has produced one of the best performances of the season in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, guiding the Canberra Raiders to a 42-22 win over the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles.

Cook finished the game with five try assists, with the Raiders’ right edge proving too strong for Blacktown, running riot down that side.

Possession would evenly go back and forth through the first 17 minutes before Raiders centre James Schiller made a line break down the northern sideline, ultimately being pulled down on Blacktown’s 40 metre line in a heavy collision with Lehi Hopoate.

With Hopoate down momentarily, Blacktown were forced to defend with 12, until an a short ball from Adam Cook sent second rower Simi Sasagi over untouched.

Three minutes later, it was déjà vu for the Sea Eagles as Cook sent Sasagi over for his second in identical fashion, after an incorrect kickoff provided Canberra with valuable field position.

The Raiders’ right edge continued to cause havoc for the Sea Eagles, with Schiller continuing their dominant start to the half by shrugging off four Blacktown tackles to score under the posts.

Adam Cook made it three from three to have the Raiders up 18-0.

Blacktown would finally respond in the 32nd minute. A late offload provided half Jakob Arthur a fractured defensive line, with a simple dummy all that was required to register the Sea Eagles’ first points.

But with 30 seconds until halftime, the Raiders would re-extend their margin as Cook notched his third try assist for the half with a big rainbow pass finding winger Jed Stuart wide open. Cook converted to make it 24-6 at halftime.

Needing to score first to stay in the game, Blacktown crossed in the 43rd minute through winger Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, who was on the end of a Hopoate-flick pass following a silky right-side shift.

Canberra’s right edge couldn’t be contained by the Sea Eagles however, with Mitch Henderson scooping up a loose ball and finding Schiller who was pulled down 20 metres from the Blacktown line.

Three plays later, second rower Luke Wembly dived on a perfectly weighted grubber from Adam Cook to return them to an 18-point lead.

Not to be done with yet, Brad Parker kept Blacktown in the contest, pouncing on a grubber for a 14-point deficit.

But the maestro of this game, Adam Cook, wasn’t going to allow a Blacktown comeback, recording his fifth try assist for the game, sending Mitchell Spencer over for his first of the game.

Another late Canberra try to Jed Stuart ensured the Raiders would take the two points home to the nation’s capital. A Jaxson Paulo intercept with three minutes remaining would reduce the margin but would be too little too late for the Sea Eagles.

Talking Points

- The Raiders right edge was dominant all half and Blacktown had no answers. Adam Cook was in complete control all game, setting up five tries and kicking seven from seven goals.

- James Schiller and Simi Sasagi were in fine form also, with three tries between the pair, while Jed Stuart also scored a double.

Key Moment

The try to Luke Wembly early in the second half stifled any Blacktown momentum gained from their rapid try to open the half. Adam Cook’s deft grubber meant the margin returned to that of halftime, and would prove to be too much of a challenge for the Sea Eagles.

What’s Next

The Sea Eagles return to Blacktown to take on the Newtown Jets, while the Canberra Raiders enjoy the bye.

Newtown Jets v St George Illawarra Dragons

Second half comeback seals it for the Jets

Alex Hrissis

Game Summary 

Newtown Jets have collected their third win of the season in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, defeating St George Illawarra Dragons 26-10 at Henson Park.

It was a scrappy affair between the Jets and the Dragons as the two sides remained scoreless for most of the first half.

The first real chance of the game came when Jesse Marschke put a bomb up for his opposing fullback Kade Dykes who was unable to recover the ball. Dragons looked a chance to put points on the board but ultimately fumbled the ball.

St George Illawarra finally put some points on the scoreboard in the 36th minute when a tough carry from back rower Dan Russell found winger Savelio Tamale, who blitzed past the Jets’ defence to put the ball underneath the posts (6-0).

Newtown bounced back minutes after following some slick passing down the right edge. The ball eventually found the hands of winger Sam Stonesteet who powered past Tamale to score in the corner.

The kick was sprayed wide to send the two teams into the sheds with Dragons leading 6-4.

The Jets’ finally found themselves with the lead when they made a fast break against the run of play courtesy of Billy Burns. The back rower found Joshua Cook in support who dived underneath the posts to score (10-6). 

The home side scored back to back tries following a spectacular bomb from Puru. The Dragons were unable to collect the ball and in a scramble it was collected by Hiroti who scored with ease (16-6). 

It was one way traffic at Henson Park as the Jets scored their third try on the trot. Makeshift backrower Kyle Pickering found a tiny gap in the Dragons’ defence and barged through to receive the early ball and crash over for a try.

The floodgates were well and truly open as Newtown scored again. This time down that dangerous right edge as the ball found its way into the hands of Sam Stonestreet who dived over for his second try of the day.

Dragons scored themselves a consolation try with seconds on the clock when the ball was fizzed out wide to Mat Feagai who placed the ball down with ease. The conversion was missed to make the final score 26-10.

Talking Points

- It was a debut to remember for Khaled Rajab who provided tidy defence and slick passing in his first game for Newtown

- This loss makes it three in a row for St George Illawarra, their longest losing streak of the season

- Toby Couchman improved his impressive form in NSW Cup, providing strong carries and tidy offloads

Key Moment

Newtown went into halftime down 6-4 but bounced back first with a try from Joshua Cook. This was crucial in their win as they scored another three unanswered and the opposition struggled to find their way back into the game.

What’s Next

In Round 10 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup the Newtown Jets will play the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles while the Dragons will host South Sydney Rabbitohs at Kogarah Oval.

Newcastle Knights v Warriors

NSW Cup Match Report: Hey Geronimo!

Richard Becht & photosport.nz

After Taine Tuaupiki provided the heroics in the last two games, Geronimo Doyle delivered today as the One New Zealand Warriors came through late to beat the Knights 12-7 in their ninth-round New South Wales Cup contest at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

In a slushy slugfest played in grim conditions, the Warriors were down 6-7 when Tuaupiki lined up a score-levelling field goal attempt with six minutes to play.

Instead the kick was charged down, ricocheting into Doyle’s hands nearby on the 20 metre line. The interchange utility exploded on a zig zagging run, beating five defenders to score a dazzling try to put the Warriors 10-7 ahead.

Tuaupiki converted and the Warriors then closed out the match for yet another dramatic result to extend their unbeaten run to three matches, moving up to seventh on the ladder.

Doyle had also provided the last-second match winner in the team’s first round win over Newtown while Tuaupiki landed a tricky conversion for a 26-24 win over St George Illawarra two weeks ago and then slotted a last-minute penalty for a 22-22 draw with unbeaten Penrith last week.

Today’s contest had seemed destined for a 6-6 draw after the sides had traded converted tries in the first half.

The Warriors were on point early on to take a 6-0 lead after halfback Luke Hanson took on the line to score his second try in as many weeks before Newcastle locked it up 11 minutes from halftime.

With the weather conditions having a marked influence, the match became a slog in the second half with defence winning out as neither side could finish off opportunities.

While Will Pryce put the Knights 7-6 ahead with a field goal in the 73rd minute, the Warriors were anything but perturbed as they dug in and went about giving themselves an opportunity to come out of the match with something, perhaps a draw for the second week running. Instead they produced the unexpected in an extraordinary manner.

Across the board their efforts in statistical categories were impressive, not least in defence where they missed just 20 tackles compared for Newcastle’s 40. Hooker Makaia Tafua topped the tackle count with 44.

They had plenty of willing ball carriers with 10 of them topping 100 minutes, centre Moala Graham-Taufa with an exceptional 297 metres.

The Warriors are back home next Sunday when they face the Sydney Roosters at North Harbour Stadium.

North Sydney Bears v Sydney Roosters

Elliott emerges the Roosters saviour once again

Mitchell Roese

Game Summary

A penalty goal in the shadow of the fulltime siren from rookie Jake Elliot saw the Sydney Roosters steal a point from the North Sydney Bears in their 10-all draw on Sunday afternoon.

The error riddled, low scoring affair was reflective of the heavy rain over much of NSW as both sides began chancing their arm once accustomed to the slippery conditions at North Sydney Oval.

The Bears managed first points of the encounter in the 19th minute, benefitting from a forced error by the Roosters on their 10-metre line.

The Bears shifted right, where halfback Ben Stevanovic’s long ball over-the-top found winger Dean Ieremia to slide over in the corner for his seventh try of the season.

Kieran Hayman converted from the sideline to add the extras.

The Roosters then took full advantage of a Bears error and a ‘six-again’ call to strike back nine minutes later. Dylan Napa showed the rookie halves how it’s done, chipping on the fifth tackle for Harry McKeon to come up with the four-pointer.

Just before the break, Napa was put on report and sent to the sin bin after a late tackle on Bears winger Tuipulotu Katoa.

Electing for the penalty goal, Hayman again converted to hand his side an 8-4 lead as they headed into halftime.

The hosts bumped that out to a six-point lead as Hayman’s converted penalty goal handed them first points of the second half (10-4).

Having survived set after set defensively, the Tricolours’ resilience was rewarded as Turoa Williams stepped his way through and crashed over. However, Jake Elliot was unable to convert from the sideline for the equaliser (10-8).

The visitors went close to scoring through a charging run from Ethan Clark-Wood, though incredible scrambling defence from five Bears defenders kept the ball up off the line.

With a final minute push in search of the win, the Roosters were awarded a penalty 10 metres out due to a foot in the ruck.

Coach Brett Morris elected for the kick, Elliot collecting himself to raise the flags for the first time in the match and secure the draw.

Talking Points

- In his second game of NSW Cup, Jake Elliot once again saved the day for the Roosters. The young half stole victory last week in his debut match, kicking a 79th minute field goal (19-18) against the Dragons.

- Napa will await hearing at the judiciary after he was placed on report for the alleged late shot on Tuipulotu Katoa

Key Moment

With five minutes to go and two points ahead, the Bears defensive resolve proved resolute as they withstood consecutive sets on their line. Twice they held up Sydney Roosters players over the chalk, which in the end saved them from losing the match outright.

What’s Next?

The Roosters venture to Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium on Sunday to face the Warriors,  while the Bears host the Paramatta Eels on Sunday at North Sydney Oval.