Recap | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup - Round 12

Finau hat-trick helps Dragons conquer Dogs

Anthony Eltarraf

Game Summary

The St George Illawarra Dragons came up with an impressive 28-12 victory over the second-placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs this evening at Accor Stadium.

The visitors drew first blood through a right side shift which found winger Sione Finau, who dived over in the corner to give his side a 4-0 lead.

The Bulldogs responded with back-to-back tries when Lachlan Vale was gifted an easy four-pointer by the Dragons, before halfback Blake Taaffe’s kick rebounded off the post, allowing him to pick the ball up and plant it down over the line.

Dragons fullback Mathew Feagai brought his side back within four right on the stroke of half-time after five-eighth Jesse Marschke broke the Dogs’ line and offloaded to the fullback to score. Halfback Jonah Glover’s successful conversion saw the Dragons head into the break trailing 12-10.

The Dragons carried their momentum into the second half, scoring first through centre Max Feagai who ran under his dummy-half Haele Finau to power his way over.

The away side dominated the remainder of the second half with Sione Finau scoring twice more completing his hat-trick, before Haele capped off an impressive performance bulldozing his way over from dummy-half. The Dragons’ dominant second-half display saw them secure a convincing 28-12 win over the Bulldogs in Round 12.

Talking Points

- The Dragons aimed up in the second half, scoring 18 unanswered points and keeping the Bulldogs from scoring any.

- The Dogs’ left edge looked vulnerable throughout the game with the Dragons catching them out on several occasions.

- Haele Finau was very impressive, delivering the ball well from dummy-half and constantly threatening the Bulldogs’ defence.

Key Moment

The Dragons were trailing by eight with just 20 seconds remaining in the first half, but a Jesse Marschke linebreak saw the five-eighth offload to Mathew Feagai, who dived over to bring his side within two points and send them into half-time with the momentum.

What’s Next?

The Bulldogs travel to Newcastle next week to face the Knights, while the Dragons head to Penrith as they look to dethrone ladder-leaders, the Panthers.

Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters

Raiders escape second-half scare from plucky Roosters

Tahlie Gavin

Game Summary

The Canberra Raiders have taken out a 36-28 victory at GIO Stadium over the Sydney Roosters in Round 12.

A bright start by the Raiders saw them capitalise on the Roosters in the nation’s capital taking them to an 18-point lead at half-time. A mistake-ridden start to the second half saw neither team gaining momentum, with handling errors and a lack of discipline by the Raiders keeping the Roosters in the game. But the Raiders proved too strong in the end pulling together two last minute tries.

An ill-disciplined opening from Raiders gave Roosters good field position but they failed to capitalise. A quick inside pass from Mitch Henderson to James Schiller saw Schiller put on a 70-metre sprint to score first points of the afternoon for Raiders. Adam Cook successfully added the extras to lead 6-0.

Attacking from close range off the back of a Roosters handling error, Peter Taateo ran straight through the defence, slamming the ball down over the in-goal to give the Raiders their second try of the afternoon. Cook converted from in front to go ahead 12-0.

A poor pass from Roosters five-eighth Jake Elliot saw James Schiller intercept the ball, scoring his second of the afternoon. Cook failed to convert as the Raiders led 16-0, 20 minutes into the first half.

A tough afternoon handling the ball for Roosters winger Tyreece Tait saw the high ball come loose giving the green machine another attacking advantage. James Schiller didn’t wait around to act on this as he took himself over the line to score his hat-trick. Cook failed to convert.

A well-executed backline movement from the Raiders saw the perfect cut out ball from Mitch Henderson to Michael Asomua on the wing, who added another four points to the Raiders’ lead. Cook failed to convert.

A tackle from Roosters fullback Ethan King knocked the ball from the Raiders, then Tyreece Tait capitalised on the loose ball and ran 90 metres to add the first points of the afternoon for Roosters. Hugo Savala added the extras taking the half-time score to 24-6.

Back-to-back second-half tries for the Roosters put them back in the game. Jake Elliott pulled together four points for the Roosters after a sloppy leadup. Later, two passes knocked down ended in favour of the Roosters, then Ethan King hit the defensive line and spun his way back over the try-line. Savala converted both tries taking the Roosters to just eight points behind with 20 minutes remaining.

A perfectly timed jump from Roosters edge forward Phoenix Steinwede saw him fly above to receive the kick from Savala. Crashing down over the in-goal, Steinwede added the four points before Savala converted successfully, which saw the Roosters behind by just two points.

The Roosters went on to score five tries in a row. Playing through the middle, they found a break through Harry McKeon, passing back into Steinwede who found Jake Elliott on his inside to take the Roosters in front. A successful conversion put the Roosters four points ahead with 10 minutes to go.

The Raiders answered back through Jordan Martin’s hard line-running saw him break the Roosters’ defence, finding his fullback Chevy Stewart on his right to dive over the line. Cook converted from in front which saw the Raiders reclaim a two-point lead.

The Raiders proved too strong in the end with Jordan Martin running hard at the line again, this time getting the ball down himself. A successful conversion from Cook took the Raiders to a 36-28 victory.

Talking Points

- Raiders’ Simi Sasagi was placed on report in the first half for late contact.

- Raiders’ Jordan Martin was placed on report early in the second half for a late hit on Zach Dockar-Clay. Zac Woolford was also placed on report in second half for high tackle on Ethan King.

- Roosters’ Alan Holten was placed on report late in second half for a dangerous tackle.

- James Schiller played a starring role in this afternoon’s game, his hat-trick marking a total of 10 tries in his past five games in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

Key Moment

James Schiller’s hat-trick was a huge first-half gamechanger for the green machine. With three tries in 25 minutes, Schiller proved a class above showing no matter what grade he plays, he continues to find his way over the line.

What’s Next?

The Raiders are rewarded with a bye next week, while the Roosters head back home to play the Warriors at Wentworth Park next Sunday.

Newtown Jets v Penrith Panthers

Jets hand Panthers biggest loss in over 10 seasons

Sam Kosack

Game Summary

The Newtown Jets have produced a significant 44-6 upset over the Penrith Panthers at Henson Park, handing the Panthers their biggest loss in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in more than 10 seasons.

Off the back of three straight wins, Newtown flexed their premiership credentials as they ran out 38-point winners against a Panthers side that would’ve reclaimed first position with a win.

The Panthers entered the match with the best defensive record in the league, but you wouldn't have known it based on Newtown's attacking dominance.

In what has been a talking point of late, contact was made with halfback Niwhai Puru’s leg on the first kick of the game, drawing a penalty and giving the Jets the ball 20 metres out from the try-line. From there, a simple crash play saw Newtown draw first points, with promising young prop Max Bradbury powering over multiple defenders to put the Jets 6-0 up after two minutes.

Fullback Liam Ison extended the Jets’ lead in the 24th minute, accelerating through a gaping hole in the Penrith defence set up by some smart leadup work. Puru took the lead out to 12 with an inch-perfect kick from the sideline.

Newtown were soaring by the 34th minute, increasing their lead by six once again. A beautiful cut-out pass sent winger Tom Rodwell flying down the south-eastern touchline, who grubbered back inside for centre Chris Vea’ila to outrun the Penrith defence and pounce on a bouncing ball.

A desperate, last-ditch Penrith try saver was all that prevented Rodwell from scoring in the corner on the stroke of halftime and extending the Jets’ lead further, meaning the Jets went into the sheds 18-0 up.

The Jets began the second half the same way they did the first. Winger Samuel Stonestreet dived in the corner to finish off some slick ball movement that started on the opposite side of the field, giving Newtown a 22-0 lead.

Stonestreet had his second within five minutes, once again finishing off some fantastic ball movement from the Jets. For three tackles, Newtown had Penrith on the ropes but were unable to find a final pass given the impressive Panthers scramble defence. But it was too much for the Penrith line to maintain, eventually cracking with Stonestreet capitalising. Puru converted for a 28-0 score-line.

The Jets had well and truly taken off by the 55th minute, with hooker Samuel Healey burrowing his way over. Vea’ila would nab his second seven minutes later, collecting a perfectly weighted grubber by second rower Billy Burns to take Newtown to 38.

Not to be held to nil, Penrith scored their first points in the 70th minute through prop Preston Riki. However, the game was paused for five minutes after the try as Jets prop Max Bradbury was badly injured attempting to stop Riki, having to be stretchered off.  

Newtown weren’t too be done with yet, with Chris Vea’ila finishing off a length-of-the field effort to complete his hat-trick. Fullback Liam Ison caught a Penrith kick on the run, burning through defenders before finding Vea’ila on the 50-metre line, with the centre running the rest of the way to help Newtown reach the 40-point mark and complete the 44-6 win.

Talking Points

- The impact of Newtown bench forwards Salesi Ataata and Brad Fearnley fwas enormous. Penrith found it almost impossible to bring the pair down; their barnstorming runs giving the Jets momentum in every set.

- Jets fullback Liam Ison was electric in the first half. His speed and strong runs started Newtown’s sets strongly, also scoring a try of his own and saving his team two separate errors on his try-line.

Key Moment

It was imperative Penrith scored first in the second half to begin to claw back Newtown’s imposing halftime lead. However, Samuel Stonestreet’s first try began a run of four Jets tries in 20 minutes, and well and truly ended any chance of a Penrith comeback.

What’s Next?

Newtown will attempt to secure their fifth consecutive win against Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium in Round 13, but will have to do so off a challenging five-day turnaround. Penrith will look to redeem themselves against the St George Illawarra Dragons at home on Saturday.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels

Eels come out on top against Rabbitohs

Bethany Conlon

Game summary

The Parramatta Eels proved too good for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their Round 12 clash, outscoring the home side 32-24 on Saturday evening at Accor Stadium.

After the Eels conceded consecutive sets the Rabbitohs went through the hands to winger Leonard Skelton to secure the first try six minutes in. Halfback Brent Hawkins slotted the sideline conversion to lead 6-0.

The Eels hit back in a similar fashion, sending the ball out wide for winger Ethyn Martin to score in the 11^thminute. Ethan Sanders’ conversion was unsuccessful hitting the post, and the Eels trailed 6-4.

A quick play-the-ball by Parramatta took South Sydney off guard as Eels prop Luca Moretti accelerated into the gap, setting up the four-pointer for fullback Zac Cini 22 minutes in.

Penalised for an escort on their goal-line, the Eels gave the Rabbitohs a chance to even up the scores. Souths took advantage, creating an overlap for centre Codey Kennedy to stride over the line in the 27^th minute. Brent Hawkins kicked the goal to steal back the lead at 12-10.

The Eels’ ball playing once again had the Rabbitohs reeling, when second-rower Matt Doorey found himself in open space and dove over the line to score 33 minutes in. Sanders failed to convert, leaving the score-line 14-12.

Great footwork Sanders left Souths grabbing at air before the Eels’ next try. Hooker Matthew Arthur followed up his halfback and scored to secure an 18-12 lead. Sanders converted his try assist to lead 20-12.

Unfazed by the Eels’ lead, the Rabbitohs wrestled back some momentum when five-eighth Jarret Subloo scored off a late offload with seconds to go in the first half. Hawkins converted, sending his team into the sheds with a two-point deficit.

South Sydney fullback Bayleigh Bentely-Hape was caught flat-footed trying to diffuse an Eels chip and chase. Parramatta then capitalised on their field position, creating an overlap to put winger Isaac Lumelume over in the corner in the 46^th minute. Sanders’ conversion was successful, leading 26-18.

In typical Eels fashion, they kept play alive with offloads, creating an overlap for interchange player William Latu to score 57 minutes in. Sanders converted his fourth for the night for a 32-18 lead.

Souths were back in the game when prop Yileen Gordon crashed over the line 62 minutes in. Hawkins once again converted reducing the deficit to eight, but the final score remained 32-24.  

Talking Points

- Parramatta winger Ethyn Martin left the field in the first half with a suspected leg injury.

- Reece Alderton left the field in the 30^th minute for a HIA, but returned to play in the second half.

What’s Next?

Parramatta take on the fifth-placed Newtown Jets at home on Thursday. Meanwhile, South Sydney take on the Western Suburbs Magpies at Redfern on Saturday afternoon.

North Sydney Bears v Warriors

Bears Hang On In Instant Classic

Mason Cernoy 

Game Summary 

Finding themselves down by 10 in as many minutes, the North Sydney Bears dug deep to provide their home faithful with a 22-16 win over the Warriors today.

The match was set to be a wild ride from the first whistle, when the kick off to start the game found touch on the bounce - putting the Warriors on the attack immediately.

Denying the Warriors any points in the next set of six, the Bears found themselves defending their line once again after winger Allan Fitzgibbon was dragged into touch.

North Sydney weren’t so lucky this time around, when captain Kalani Going found an offload for back rower Maia Sands who crossed in the fourth minute (6-0).

With some wind in their sails, the Warriors kept things going and put a second try on through fullback Ben Farr, who completed a slick shift down the left to bring the score out to 10-0 after the opening 10 minutes.

After receiving a penalty, Bears found the line through halfback Ben Stefanovic who threw a cut out ball to Fitzgibbon who scored.

After an eventful start to the game, both teams began to settle into the match – playing set for set football over the next 10 minutes.

Bears utility Jayden Yates broke the deadlock, dashing out of dummy half into open space before passing the ball back on his inside to fullback Jake Toby who scored under the posts, levelling the score at 10-all.

The second half started similar to the first with the Warriors capitalising of great field position in the opening five minutes.

Halfback Luke Hanson threw a brilliant short ball to forward Leka Halasima, who powered through a hole in the defensive line to put his side out in front (10-16).

After Halasima’s 4-pointer, New Zealand were applying plenty of pressure on both sides of the ball, finding easy metres and not letting the Bears kick from outside their own 30 to end their sets.

As the Bears were starting to lose the field position battle, an error from the Warriors saw a switch in momentum, gifting the Bears with a much-needed set of six in the Warriors half.

 Being awarded a scrum from 40 metres out, the Bears halves combined beautifully to shift the ball out right to their fullback who squared the defence before sending a short ball out to Fitzgibbon who crossed for his second of the day (16-16).

With the scores once again levelled, the Bears continue to take full advantage of the momentum, scoring back-to-back tries through forward Joe Chan who did extremely well to reel the ball in and give his side their first lead of the afternoon (22-16).

In the final 10 minutes of the game, the Warriors threw everything they had at the Bears however strong defence from the home team proved to be the difference – sealing the win for North Sydney.

Talking Points:

•  It was a battle of the fullbacks this afternoon, with Jake Toby and Ben Farr lighting up North Sydney oval with their dynamic running games.
•  Maia Sands had a cracker of a game, scoring the first try and coming up with the best play of the afternoon in a crucial stage of the match.
•  The start of both halves gave this match a really frantic energy that captivated the crowd, with the side kicking off having genuine attacking chances 20 seconds into both halves.

Key Moment:

Allan Fitzgibbon’s second try was a brilliant piece of play from the North Sydney Bears, which was so crucial to their victory.

The Bears had been on the backfoot for the previous ten minutes and looked like they wouldn’t have been able to withstand the pressure that the Warriors had been mounting for much longer.

The next ten minutes really shifted in North Sydney’s favour following this try and allowed them to go on and win the match.

What’s Next?

The thrilling victory from North Sydney sees them move to second place on the ladder, and they will be looking to stay in touch with the Canberra Raiders as they pay a visit to HE Laybutt Field to take on the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles.

 The Warriors will take on the Sydney Roosters at Wentworth Park next Sunday.

Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles v Western Suburbs Magpies

Faulalo, Paulo star in eleven-try, annihilation of Wests

Mitchell Roese

Game Summary:

Clayton Faulalo and Jaxson Paulo’s individual brilliance helped arrest an early 12-0 deficit on Sunday afternoon, with the pair scoring four tries each in a 50-30 victory over the Western Suburbs Magpies at HE Laybutt Field to conclude round 12 of The Knock On Effect NSW Cup.

Western Suburbs stated their intent early, with forward Tallyn Da Silva stepping out from dummy-half and throwing short to a barnstorming Jordan Miller to crash over under the black dot.

The Magpies continued their roll on with Da Silva once again showing his class, scoring a converted try to extend his teams lead out to 12 points in the opening quarter.

Blacktown responded in 18th minute for their opening try of the afternoon, with makeshift fullback Clayton Faulalo powering through the scrambling Magpies’ goal line defence to score.

Fresh off a hattrick last week, winger Watson Heleta drew the deficit to four points from a right edge shift that was finished off by a sleek cut-out ball from halfback Jake Arthur (8-12).  

Faulalo continued his dominant first half with a double in the 29th minute. The incumbent fullback deflected a grubber kick from Wests’ James Valavatu before he scooped the ball and dashed away from Da Silva to bring the scores level at 12-all.

The hosts then went ahead 16-12 in the 33rd minute as winger Jaxson Paulo went over untouched in the corner. However, Magpies’ debutant winger Solomone Saukuru’s corner post finish and Da Silva’s sideline conversion restored a slender 18-16 lead right on half time after conceding four unanswered tries inside 15 minutes.

Blacktown Workers began the second half rapidly with two tries in the opening five minutes. First, replacement hooker Caleb Navale was too strong close to the line before Jake Arthur dummied and sliced through. Five-eighth Jamie Humphries converted both to make it a 10-point ball game.

Paulo joined his fullback in the 52nd minute, who then added a third off a chip from Arthur, and then a fourth from a break down the sideline all within a six-minute span.

Sione Fainu’s miraculous putdown amongst defenders ignited some fire within the visitors, though the impressive Faulalo was quick to smother any fight left with consecutive breakaway tries to join Paulo on four tries.

Solomona Faataape scored a consolation try right on full time, though there were certainly no celebrations for the dejected Magpies after a tough afternoon. The Sea Eagles 50-30 victors in an 11 try demolition of Wests.

Talking Points:

Jaxson Paulo and Clayton Faulalo were both in red hot form in this afternoon’s contest. The pair scored four tries each, with Faulalo assisting in two of Paulo’s and racking up plenty of run meters in his first outing at fullback in the absence of Lehi Hopoate.

After racing out to a 12-point lead in the first 15 minutes, Wests were outscored 50-18, equal most they have conceded this year.

Key Moment:

Consecutive tries from the Sea Eagles to begin the second half destroyed any hope of Wests staying in the contest, with Wayne Cousins’ men remaining on the front foot and running in 34 points to blow their opponents off the park.

What’s Next?

Blacktown Workers take back-to-back victories into next Sunday’s encounter against high-flyers North Sydney Bears at HE Laybutt field, while Western Suburbs venture to Redfern Oval to face South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon.