Jets outgunned by Knights in high-scoring affair

Bulldogs secure win in return to Belmore

Alex Hrissis

Game Summary

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have moved up to third on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder following an enthralling clash with the Parramatta Eels at Belmore Sports Ground, which saw the home side win 32-22.

Bulldogs scored first in this Round 20 clash courtesy of a try from Jordi Mazzone. Rising fullback Joash Papalii started the move when he broke through the line with speed and passed the ball out to his winger who scored comfortably for first points of the night. Eli Clark slotted the conversion from out wide to lead 6-0.

Parramatta bounced back quickly through former Bulldog Isaac Lumelume. Some dangerous passing down the left edge found Daejarn Asi who passed outside to Ethan Sanders, who then found Lumelume out wide. The veteran winger dived in the corner to put his side on the scoreboard (6-4).

Canterbury-Bankstown jumped further in front with another try several minutes after. Lipoi Hopoi was fed the ball short from his rake and barged through the defence and spun over the try-line to put the ball down. Clark's conversion took the lead to 12-4.

The home side extended their lead courtesy of that dangerous combination of Papalii and Mazzone. This try was almost identical to the first as Papalii burst through the line with pace to pass the ball out to Mazzone for another comfortable try (16-4).

It was one way traffic at Belmore as the Bulldogs scored their third try on the trot through Hayze Perham. The utility threw a nice dummy as he attacked the line and burst past the defenders to dive over the try-line (20-4).

Bulldogs added another try with minutes to go until halftime when some quick movement and slick passing down the right edge found Lachlan Vale, who saw Romano Cook about to burst through the line. The hooker received the ball with ease to score a tidy try and give his team a healthy 26-4 lead heading into the sheds.

The away team came out of the sheds a new-look side as they dominated field position, possession and had several disallowed tries. However, they could not break the Bulldogs’ gritty defence as the opposition held out.

After 24 minutes of tough defence the home team eventually broke through and extended their lead. Hayze Perham made a fast break down the left edge then passed inside for Jordi Mazzone to sprint over 40 metres for a try, recording a hat-trick in the process (32-4).

Parramatta scored their second try of the night through the combination of Joshua Lynn and Isaac Lumelume. The speedy five-eighth broke through the line and passed to Lumelume, who then passed back into Lynn unmarked to score a try. Sanders coverted to trail 32-10.

The away side scored back-to-back tries for the first time in the game to tighten the scoreline. Daejarn Asi put in a tidy kick to the left of the field and the ball bounced perfectly for Sanders, who scored with ease. Sanders then converted his own try (32-16).

Parramatta scored one last try in the dying embers of the game courtesy of Joey Lussick. The veteran hooker showed his class and experience by eyeing a gap in the defence to score straight from the play-the-ball. Sanders successfully added the extra two points to trail 32-22, but the score remained until full-time.

Talking Points

• Canterbury-Bankstown shoot up to third place on the ladder following their win over Parramatta, as they look to secure a finals berth.
• Jordi Mazzone had a NSW Cup debut to remember, scoring a hat-trick in his side’s win following his promotion from the Jersey Flegg Cup.
• Ethan Sanders was a shining light for the Eels in their loss, showing off his strong kicking game, slick passing and scoring himself a try.

Key Moment

The Bulldogs established their dominance over the Eels early when they scored in just the second minute of the game through the lethal combination of Papalii and Mazzone. This set the tone for the match as the Bulldogs went on to score another four tries in the first half.

What's Next?

In Round 21 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup the Bulldogs will host North Sydney Bears on Saturday afternoon, while the Eels head to Henson Park to face the Newtown Jets.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters

Rabbitohs secure long-awaited victory on the Central Coast

Mitchell Roese

Game Summary

South Sydney Rabbitohs have marked their first victory in a month in triumphant fashion with a 44-24 over the Sydney Roosters at Industree Group Stadium, on Saturday afternoon in Round 20 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

A forced error from a monster tackle off the kick-off by the Roosters set the tone early, however it was the Bunnies to grab first points in the seventh minute.

Dion Teaupa’s short ball to Henry O’Kane close to the line put the back-rower through, just enough to push past two defenders and stretch over to score. Fletcher Myers' conversion was unsuccessful.

Souths' extended their lead in the 11th minute, with Teaupa’s passing again creating space for Bayleigh Bentley-Hape on the edge, the ball eventually finding the supporting Thomas Fletcher to cross. Myers was successful with the conversion to lead 10-0.

Sublime lead-up from the tricolours' young guns brought them into the ball game in the 21st minute. A dazzling catch and run from winger Tyreece Tait gained healthy field position, before five-eighth Jake Elliott drew in multiple defenders and threw a lofting ball to Kyron Fekitoa to score. Hugo Savala curled his kick around to convert and reduce the deficit to 10-6.

Undeterred, South Sydney marched down the field in consecutive sets, with interchange forward Matthew French crashing over under the posts, before Fletcher bagged a first-half double. Myers was successful with both conversions to extend their lead to 22-6 through the opening half-hour.

Elliott again was the maestro for the Roosters' second try, with another right-to-left cut-out ball for Fekitoa to dive over in the corner for his second of the contest. Savala was on the money with his sideline conversion attempt to head into the sheds 22-12 behind at the half.

The Rabbitohs opened the second half as they did the first with first points. Ryan Gray scooted from dummy-half, with the goal-line defence unable to wrap up the ball as he slammed it down. Myers was again successful from the tough angle.

It was the right edge that put the Chooks back on the board, with Robert Toia managing an incredible corner put-down surrounded by multiple defenders. Savala was again pinpoint from the sideline to draw the deficit to 10 points.

Tyreece Tait was sin-binned for committing a professional foul, with the Rabbitohs capitalising on the one-man advantage with Brandon Mansfield-Webster and Ryan Gray crossing.

Tait made up for his indiscretion with a runaway try in the final minutes, before Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson capped off the 44-24 victory with an aerial finish.

Talking Points

• Today’s victory marks South Sydney’s first since the beginning of June.
• Rabbitohs playmaker Dion Teaupa's ball playing was key to victory. His ability to make the defence second-guess and find the open man led to metres gained and tries scored.
• Both goal-kickers were incredible amidst the wind on the Central Coast. Fletcher Myers nailed six from eight attempts, while Hugo Savala was perfect with four from four.

Key Moment

South Sydney’s ability to conquer adversity to led to the victory today. The side withstood plenty of pressure but had an incredible ability to turn their efforts into points, especially late in the first half.

What's Next?

The Roosters host Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at Wentworth Park on Sunday afternoon, before the Rabbitohs head to GIO Stadium in Canberra to face the Raiders to conclude Round 21.

Canberra Raiders v North Sydney Bears

Bears take winning streak to nine defeating Raiders in top-of-table clash

Tahlie Gavin

Game Summary

The Canberra Raiders hosted a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash against North Sydney Bears at Raiders Belconnen in Round 20, with the visitors winning 20-12.

It was a windy afternoon but both teams came out strong in the first half as the North Sydney Bears took a 10-6 lead into halftime. A nail-biting second half showed why both teams are leading The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup competition, but the Bears pulled together a last-minute try to take out the 20-12 victory.

The Bears started the game gunning for possession with a short kick-off to start the game. The first points of the afternoon came off the back of a penalty gifted to the Bears. Bears five-eighth Kieran Hayman decided to take the two points for an early lead.

Raiders took the lead not long after when a stoppage in play saw the Raiders line themselves up to score a try out wide. With quick passing out to the wing, Raiders five-eighth Mitch Henderson found a gap in the defence to dive over the line. Adam Cook successfully converted from the sideline (6-2).

Back-to-back penalties for the Bears saw them make their way up the field. Bears skipper Kurt De Luis came close to scoring, but a quick play-the-ball and pass from dummy-half to lock forward Ben Talty saw him go over the line. Hayman successfully added the extras.

An offside call against the Raiders resulted in a penalty to the Bears 20 metres out from the try-line. With four minutes left on the clock Hayman took the two points to take the Bears to a 10-6 lead at halftime.

The Raiders added the first points of the second half when Henderson took on the Bears' defence stepping and running straight for the line, scoring his double for the afternoon. Cook successfully converted taking the Raiders back in front 12-10.

A slow-scoring second half saw both teams battling it out. A penalty was given to North Sydney 40 metres out from their try-line. Kieran Hayman put his hand up to take the two points and was successful, taking the score to 12-all with six minutes remaining.

With time ticking away Hayman produced another great effort with the boot. With the bears on the attack, Hayman managed to kick a two-point field goal to give the Bears the lead.

The Bears weren’t done yet when a huge attacking raid saw the Raiders scrambled. Passing out to the wing, Allan Fitzgibbon got hold of the ball and ran his way over to score. A successful sideline conversion from Hayman saw the Bears take the 20-12 victory in Canberra.

Talking Points

• Raiders' Simi Sasagi was placed on report during the first half.
• Raiders' James Schiller was removed from the field midway through second half for a HIA and did not return to the field. Bears' Matt Stimson was also removed during the second half for a HIA.
• Raiders' Adrian Trevilyan left the field with five minutes remaining with a suspected shoulder injury.
• Raiders fullback Chevy Stewart, who was ruled out before the match, is facing 4-6 weeks on the sideline after suffering an ankle ligament injury.

Key Moment

With the score all tied up the Bears produced a massive play passing to Keiran Hayman outside the 40, who managed to kick a huge two-point field goal. This shift in momentum towards the Bears led them to score a try before the siren and eventually take out the win.

What's Next?

The Bears will look to continue their winning streak as they head to Belmore to face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday. The Raiders will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs back at GIO Stadium the following day.

Newcastle Knights v Newtown Jets

Knights hold onto lead in high-scoring affair

Mason Cernoy

Game Summary

In a match that had as much wind as it did points the Newcastle Knights edged out the Newtown Jets in a tight contest, where the two sides went try for try until Newcastle scored back-to-back to seal the 34-24 victory in the final five minutes.

It was an extremely windy afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium, and kicks proved a challenge for attackers and defenders early in the match. Shortly after the wind denied the Newtown Jets’ first kick for touch, it also helped a Liam Sutton cross-kick beat the defence and sit up for Thomas Jenkins to cross for the opening try in the fourth minute.

Finding themselves hot on the attack again shortly after, Elijah Salesa Ieumoana was collected high in front of the posts, and Sutton took the two points on offer to extend his side's lead to 8-0.

The momentum for the Knights would slow down in the set which followed, when Jaxson Rahme produced an error early into the tackle count. Being awarded a scrum from 40 metres out, the Jets hit back through Billy Magoulias who crashed over next to the posts.

The Knights found more points in the first half when another kick from Liam Sutton was allowed to bounce, allowing Aoake to tap the ball down to his fullback Fletcher Sharpe to extend their lead to 14-6.

With the first half closing out, Jayden Berrell forced his second drop-out for the match and Newcastle decided to kick it short, but Jackson Ferris had the skill to take the kick and dash to the try-line to send his side into the sheds only two points down.

It was anybody’s game at halftime, and remained that way for the majority of the second half as the two sides tried to outscore each other. When Fletcher Sharpe busted through the Jets’ middles for his second try of the day, it marked the beginning of a 15-minute period which saw five tries scored. Billy Burns was next to cross when Niwhai Puru put him through a massive hole off the back of an unsuccessful kick for touch from Liam Sutton.

It was looking as though the Jets had stolen the lead for the first time in the match when Puru put up a towering bomb for Hayden Sutton to catch, but he came up with an excellent take and return which saw him break tackles before finding Kyle McCarthy on his inside. He continued on with the play until he hit Sutton with an offload, who got tackled 35 metres out from the Jets’ line. From there Sebastian Su’a came up with a near-identical try to Fletcher Sharpe’s second when he crashed over the line in a similar position.

After allowing Newtown to roll up the field after an obstruction penalty, and conceding another penalty whilst defending their line, the tired Newcastle middles were deceived by Samuel Healey who slipped under the posts to score. The Knights hit back again just minutes later when McCarthy came down with a bomb and found Hayden Sutton, who managed to roll the ball out for Jermaine McEwan to cross. After Sutton missed his first goal of the afternoon, it was a six-point ball game at 30-24.

Newtown were camped on Newcastle’s line for a few consecutive sets, but Newcastle showed enough resolve to keep turning them away and were rewarded when Tuku Hau Tapuha lost the ball on his own 40-metre line. Liam Sutton was ready to pounce and scooped up the ball showing a clean pair of heels as he raced away from Newtown’s cover defence to ground the ball in the corner and seal the match, 34-24.

Talking Points

• Liam Sutton had an excellent display at five-eighth this afternoon, forcing multiple drop-outs and producing the first two tries with his clinical kicking game, as well as scoring the match-winner and kicking five goals from seven attempts.
• Both Jets hookers can hold their heads high after their performance this afternoon. Jayden Berrell set up Billy Magoulias’ try and forced two drop-outs for his side, and Samuel Healey brought lots of spark scoring a try and coming extremely close to a second, which would have levelled the game.
• Newcastle’s defensive resolve over the last two weeks is the best it's been all year, proving their ability to turn away sides in the most crucial moments of the match. They may have leaked four tries this afternoon but held on when they really needed to in the sets prior to Liam Sutton’s try.
• Fletcher Sharpe was at his usual electric best, scoring a double and roaming across the park with ease.

Key Moment

Liam Sutton’s try in the 75th minute put the Knights ahead by two tries for the first time in the contest, which sealed the match for them. It was an incredible effort from him to be there when Hau Tapuha came up with the error, then run the distance to score late into the match.

What's Next?

The Jets will head back home to Henson Park to take on the Parramatta Eels, and the Knights will enjoy having the bye next week in Round 21.

Penrith Panthers v Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 

Panthers maintain touch with top five after Peachey inspires comeback

Stewart Moses

Game Summary

The Penrith Panthers have kept their finals hopes alive with a come from behind 48-18 win over the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at BlueBet Stadium this afternoon.

Veteran five-eighth Tyrone Peachey inspired the inexperienced Panthers with a try, three try assists and a hand in two others to give the home side a much-needed win.

An early penalty to the Sea Eagles enabled skipper Brad Parker to crash over off a one out pass to open the scoring after just eight minutes of play, duly converted by Jaxson Paulo (6-0).

The visitors doubled their lead in the 19th minute with a cracking try starting 40m from their own line with quick hands to the right putting Watson Heleta down the eastern touchline before the winger kicked back inside for Tyler Bunting to score out wide (12-0).

Against the run of play, with Penrith attacking the Sea Eagles line, the visitors had their third try for the afternoon after just 22 minutes when five-eighth Brad Abbey intercepted an Isaiah Iongi pass to set sail from 5 metres out from his own line before linking up with fullback Clayton Fualolo to give the visitors what seemed to be a commanding 18-0 lead.

Enter Tyrone Peachey.

The Panthers five-eighth kick started Penrith’s comeback, going to the line 25m out and putting in the grubber for the first of Asu Kepaoa’s two tries for the afternoon with the centre on hand to cross over out wide, converted by Billy Scott in the 31st minute (18-6).

On the stroke of half time the Panthers reduced the gap to just six when a cutout pass from half Soni Luke put winger Daeon Amituanai over for an acrobatic try in the south west corner, converted by Scott (18-12).

It took just two minutes of the second half for the Panthers to level the scores when Peachey produced a show and go to slice thru the line from 40m out, before finding backrower Zac Lipowicz backing up for the first of his two second half tries.

The Panthers hit the lead for the first time in the 48th minute with Peachey combining with Asu Kepaoa to put David Fale over in the southwest corner.

The home side’s second half onslaught continued three minutes later when a Peachey cutout pass put Kepaoa away down the western touchline, producing a dummy inside in the process to score out wide to extend the lead to eight.

The veteran five-eighth capped his vintage performance with a stunning individual try in the 56th minute, again producing a show and go from 40m out to score himself and with Scott landing the simple conversion, it was the Panthers who suddenly held the commanding lead 32-18.

Replacement fullback Sione Fonua then produced converted tries for Harrison Hassett (61st minute) and Samuel Lane (64th minute), both the result of quick shifts right inside the Sea Eagles 20 to push the Panthers out to a 44-18 lead.

Peachey again had a say in the final try of the afternoon, again producing a cutout pass that enabled winger David Fale to break down the western touchline before finding Lipowicz in support to score his second try of the afternoon to push the home side to within two of 50 points with 12 minutes remaining.

The Panthers continued their push for more points to send their score beyond 50 but some last-ditch Blacktown defence held on, but the damage had been well and truly done with Penrith running out convincing 48-18 winners.

Key Points:

• The game was prop forward Austin Dias’ first against his former club.
• Penrith trailed 18-0 after just 22 minutes before producing a stunning 38-minute period that yielded 48 unanswered points.
• Asu Kepaoa, Zac Lipowicz scored two tries for the victors.
• Penrith’s Samuel Lane and Harrison Hassett and Blacktown’s Ben Saufele have a nervous wait from the Match Review Committee after being placed on report.

Play of the Game

The Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles may have lost the game but produced the best team try of the afternoon when five sets of hands 35m out from their own line, sent play to the eastern touchline where winger Watson Heleta burst clear before having the presence of mind to place an inside kick for half Tylor Bunting to rather and score a terrific try.

What's Next

The rejuvenated Penrith Panthers will travel to Wollongong next Saturday to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at Collegians Sporting Complex while the next day, the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles travel to Wentworth Park where the Sydney Roosters await.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Western Suburbs Magpies

Dragons one step closer to finals with big win over Magpies.

Bailey Whitton

Game Summary

The St George Illawarra Dragons are two points closer to the top five after defeating the Western Suburbs Magpies 52-16 today. 

Dragons centre Benjamin Johnson made a break down the edge with his winger to the right and fullback to the left in support. He passed inside to Lyhkan King-Togia and the Dragons got the first points of the game (6-0). 

The Dragons continued to win the battle through the middle before a fifth play kick saw the Magpies fail to regather the ball, gifting Dragons prop Viliami Fifita the ball, scoring in the 10th minute (12-0). 

The Magpies were on the board in the 16th minute through Josh Feledy who found space out on the short side to score. 

Sione Finau scored his first try of the day when space was created out wide and the ball was quickly shifted out to the Dragons winger to score. 

The Magpies hit back quickly through hooker James Valevatu out through a kick into the in-goal area for winger Solomon Alaimalo to ground it, bringing the score to 16-10. 

With just minutes before half time, Dragons winger Savelio Tamale weaved through defence to score bringing the score to 22-10, before a penalty goal right on half time saw the Dragons head into the break with a 24-10 lead. 

It took the home team only three minutes in the second half to add points through second rower Dylan Egan who pushed past defenders to score. 

The Dragons scored another two tries through Fa'amanu Brown and Sione Finau to further extend their lead (40-10).

Magpies half Jayden Sullivan added six points for his side, throwing a dummy close to the line to score (40-16). 

Finau scored another two tries in the final 13 minutes of the game to finish the game, giving his team a convincing 52-16 win. 

Talking Points

• Dragons winger scored four tries to bringing his tally to nine tries so far in 2024.
• Magpies Fullback Heath Mason refused to die at any point during the game. He continued to try and create moments for the attack the whole way through.
• The Magpies' discipline cost them massively in the game. They gave the Dragons too many opportunities through lost balls and basic penalties like offside and ruck interference. 

Key Moment

The Magpies' ill discipline to start the second half punctuated by Dylan Egan scoring first was the moment that spelled doom for the Magpies. They needed to start the half strong, but they struggled and the Dragons refused to give them any room to recover from it.

Whats Next

Round 21 sees both teams continue to fight for their seasons, with the Dragons taking on the Panthers who are hot on their tails in the race for finals and the Magpies head over to Auckland to try and defeat the mighty Warriors and claw their way from the bottom of the ladder.