The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Recap | Round 10

Magpies steal Jason Taylor Cup from Norths in dominant display

Mitchell Farrugia

Western Suburbs Magpies have continued their winning run, defeating North Sydney Bears 36-16 to comfortably claim the Jason Taylor Cup at North Sydney Oval.

Both heritage sides took their time easing into the contest before the Magpies hit the board. Smooth passing from the reshuffled spine saw rising star Reece Hoffman stroll over untouched, placing Western Suburbs six points ahead inside the first 10 minutes of the contest.

Disaster almost followed the kick-off for the Magpies, with the ball being allowed to bounce into touch. Norths were unable to capitalise from the ensuing set, instead, Wests charged downfield to extend the lead when enforcer Kelma Tuilagi was sent through a gaping hole down the right edge.

Needing to score next, the Bears began to throw the ball around. It paid off as Jason Taylor’s side registered their first points, with Tom Carr diving over in the right corner. To the disappointment of the proud North Sydney fans, he was unable to convert his try.

Looking to hit back and edge further ahead, a smart grubber kick sat up on a dime for half Joseph Taipari, allowing him to score down the right edge with Zach Docker-Clay converting to extend the Magpies lead to 18-4.

The momentum continued to flow with Wests, as they pushed 20 points clear of Norths through when monster forward Tukimihia Simpkins crashed over close to the line. Docker-Clay continued his impressive form with the boot as he converted to make it 4/4 as the Magpies headed into the sheds leading 24-4.

Heading out for the second half, both sides got into an arm wrestle as they tried to dominate field position, although errors slowly started to creep into the match.

With 30 minutes remaining, the Bears held onto hopes of a miraculous comeback. It was Naufahu Whyte who gave them hope as he crashed over for Norths second try, reducing the deficit to 14.

Proving to be a handful close to the line, Magpies second-rower Kelma Tuilagi dove over the line again, picking up his second try of the night.

Not wanting to give the Bears an inch, Western Suburbs remained on the attack as the final 15 minutes ticked away. Despite the Bears desperate efforts in defence, a horrid bounce resulted in the ball finding its way into the arms of Joseph Taipari, who also sealed a double, bringing the score to 36-10 after another successful conversion from Docker-Clay

The Bears continued to chance their hand and came desperately close to scoring in the right corner after only the trailing foot of Tom Carr denied the winger. However, Carr was over moments later for Norths after taking a beautiful ball that floated over the top ball and sent him down the left hand touch line.

Despite the Bears putting some respectability in the scoreline, It was too little too late as Western Suburbs extended their winning streak run to seven matches, cruising to an impressive 36-16 victory and claiming the JT cup from Jason Taylor's Bears.

Newcastle Knights v Newtown Jets

Knights defeat Jets for a much needed victory

Newcastle Knights have secured their 5th win of the season after defeating Newtown Jets 22-8 at Maitland Sports Ground in Newcastle on Saturday 15th May.

Fullback Heath Gibbs opened the Knights account in the 8th minute after a standard backline play saw him crash over in the left corner, with Zane Camroux successfully adding the two points.

Bronson Garlick added to an already impressive try tally for 2021 after he went from dummy half and scored in the 24th minute.

The Knights struck just before half-time through Christopher Veaila after they stripped the Jets for numbers on the left hand side. Camroux was unsuccessful with the boot and the Knights went into the break up 10-4.

The first 29 minutes of the second half were an arm wrestle as both sides struggled to gain ascendancy, although it was the Jets who scored next through Edward Aiono in the 69th minute.

From there, the Knights went in through Harvey Van Dartel, who skipped around some tired defenders in the middle and passed to Riley Jones in support. Camroux added the extras and the Knights led 16-4 with just eight minutes remaining.

The last try of the match capped off an important win for the Knights after a Liam Wilkinson chip kick looked to be rolling into touch, until Cooper Jenkins came flying through to ground the ball in spectacular fashion. Camroux wouldn’t be denied from the sideline and capped off a 22-8 victory for his side.

Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders

Eels late charge to slip past Raiders

Mitchell Farrugia

Parramatta Eels have recorded consecutive wins defeating Canberra Raiders 26-24 after scoring in the final seconds at Ringrose Park.

Both sides fought for possession early as Parramatta slowly gained the ascendency. The pressure built by Parramatta paid off after 10 minutes, as a slick cut-out ball by experienced half Jordan Rankin landed into the hands of winger Sean Russell who put the Eels on the board.

On a roll, the Eels continued to attack the Canberra line. This time the short passing of Rankin impressed, with Ky Rodwell strolling over close to the line. Rankin’s boot extended Parramatta’s lead to 12 points inside the first 20 minutes.

Needing to score next, the Raiders kicked into gear and troubled the Eels down the left edge. Creating chances, Canberra winger Xavier Savage dove over for their first points of the afternoon.

Savage was almost over again moments later, as he used his pace to burn down the left edge from Canberra’s 30m line until desperate defence eventually bundled him into touch.

Parramatta’s right edge defence was on the ropes. Raiders half Matt Frawley threw a stunning cut-out pass to Savage as he crossed over untouched for his second of the match.

The physical encounter continued to ebb and flow into the dying moments of the first half, as Parramatta headed into the dressing sheds narrowly leading 12-10.

Parramatta jumped out of the gates for the perfect start to the second half. As the wind continued to build, a high-placed bomb was allowed to bounce by Canberra and scooped up by Eels fullback Hayze Perham who darted away to score.

Keeping the contest close, Canberra hit back. A sharp placed grubber kick was dribbled into the in-goal and slammed down by Raiders winger Manase Kaho. The successful sideline conversion from Brad Schneider saw the match level once more at 16-16.

With the momentum flowing for the Green Machine, Canberra kicked into gear. Manase Kaho collected a looping ball to pick up a double and push his side ahead for the first time in the match.

The wind continued to wreak havoc for Canberra who again allowed a Parramatta high ball to bounce, with winger Lalotoa Mata'afa winning the race to the ball in the in-goal. Only conversions separated the two sides as Parramatta led 22-20 with 12 minutes left on the clock.  

Still alive, Canberra again wrestled back the lead. The left-hand edge again the target as Savage desperately burrowed his way over the white stripe, scoring his hat-trick in the process. Schneider’s kick was waved away, leaving Canberra with a two-point lead in the final five minutes.

With the last roll of the dice, Parramatta scrambled and through slick passing crossed in the corner with Michael Oldfield planting the ball just inside the field of play. The try pushed the Eels narrowly over the line, as they defeated Canberra 26-24.