Ison returns to old stomping ground for Panthers clash

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Fri 21 Jun 2024, 02:35 PM

Electric Jets fullback Liam Ison will enjoy a home game of sorts when the Penrith local faces his former team at BlueBet Stadium tomorrow.

While he joined the Sharks from the Panthers this season, the 19-year-old lives at the foot of the mountains and drives past his old stomping ground en route to the Shire.

The speedster, who won a Jersey Flegg title and made his Knock-On Effect NSW Cup debut for Penrith, has been in stellar form with Newtown, Cronulla's feeder club.

He will again don the No.1 jersey against the sixth-placed Panthers, with the high-flying Jets (fourth) aiming to shrug off a narrow loss to the ladder-leading Bears.

"I came through the Penrith system and now I'm here at Newtown. Loving it," Ison told Newtown Jets Media ahead of the crucial Round 16 clash, kicking off at 2pm.

"It's unreal. Great culture, great team. We're going pretty good at the moment, had six (wins) on the trot previous to last week, so I think this week's a big game."

Penrith are one win behind the George Ndaira-coached Newtown, while there are just three competition points separating the Bluebags and the ninth-placed Eels.

With only the top five progressing to the finals, each game holds significant weight.

The Panthers began the year with six straight wins but have now lost as many games in a row. The Jets secured a thumping 44-6 victory over them in May as Ison scored a try, set up another and produced two line-break assists.

The man nicknamed Ice has played plenty of footy at BlueBet Stadium, but Saturday will mark his first time preparing in the away dressing room.

"It'll be a big game and it'll be good to play the previous club again," he said.

After beginning the season in Cronulla's Jersey Flegg (under 21s) line-up, Ison has impressed in seven matches for Newtown. He only tasted defeat in royal blue for the first time in last week's hard-fought 16-12 loss to North Sydney.

Though he may give away size to his opponents, Ison has made a strong impact for the Jets with lightning acceleration, sleight of hand and reliable support play.

In a testament to his ability, the custodian has posted six tries in Newtown colours.

Part of the fulltime Sharks NRL training squad, Ison is tipped for a bright future.

"I've still got a lot to work on – I'm here trying to get better every day – but being a team player, that's what I really pride myself on," the St Marys junior said.

For those not attending the match, you can catch the action live on NSWRL TV.

See the two team lists below.

Round 16 - Round 16 - Saturday 22 Jun

Full Time

Panthers

Jets

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Isaiah Iongi

Fullback for Jets is number 1 Liam Ison
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Nick Murphy

Winger for Jets is number 2 Tom Rodwell
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Asu Kepaoa

Centre for Jets is number 3 Chris Vea'ila
Centre for Panthers is number 4 David Fale

Centre for Jets is number 4 Mawene Hiroti
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Daeon Amituanai

Winger for Jets is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Tyrone Peachey

Five-Eighth for Jets is number 6 Khaled Rajab
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Trent Toelau

Halfback for Jets is number 7 Daniel Atkinson

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Jordan Grant

Prop for Jets is number 10 Jesse Colquhoun
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Luke Sommerton

Hooker for Jets is number 9 Jayden Berrell
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Preston Riki

Prop for Jets is number 14 Braden Hamlin-Uele
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Mavrik Geyer

2nd Row for Jets is number 11 Kyle Pickering
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Zac Lipowicz

2nd Row for Jets is number 12 Billy Burns
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Luron Patea

Lock for Jets is number 13 Blake Hosking

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Alex Seve

Interchange for Jets is number 15 Brad Fearnley
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Riley Price

Interchange for Jets is number 17 Billy Magoulias
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Austin Dias

Interchange for Jets is number 18 Samuel Healey
Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Falefa Letoi

Interchange for Jets is number 19 Jordin Leiu