Recap | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup - Round 24

Sea Eagles withstand second-half comeback

Bethany Conlon

Game Summary

Eighth-placed Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles have broken a five-game losing streak, withstanding a fierce second-half comeback from the Warriors to win 28-22 at 4 Pines Park on Saturday afternoon.

A win today would have guaranteed the fourth-placed visitors a spot in the finals, but instead they will need to dust themselves off for some tight contests in the coming weeks.

Scoring opened via Sea Eagles prop Matt lodge, who charged under the sticks in the sixth minute. Halfback Jamie Humphreys added the extras, 6-0.

The Sea Eagles had back-to-back tries when second-rower Corey Waddell found himself in open space. Backing up in support, Jaxson Paulo scored the four-pointer in the 12th minute. Humphreys conversion was waved away, 10-0.

The ball-playing of experienced Sea Eagles prop, Aaron Woods, opened the way for front-rower Aitasi James to hit and spin over the line in the 15th minute. Humphreys slotted the conversion, 16-0.

The Warriors were first to strike in the second half when centre, Moala Graham-Taufa, darted down the short side and bustled his way to the line in the 45th minute. Fullback Taine Tuaupiki decreased the deficit to 10 with the conversion.

The Warriors had stolen the momentum when hooker Paul Roache put Moala Graham-Taufa through a hole to score his second in the 53rd minute. Tuaupiki’s conversion got the Warriors within four, 16-12.

The Warriors were back in it when winger Edward Kosi cleaned up a Sea Eagles knock-on, offloading to centre Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, who beat chasers to the try-line in the 58th minute. Tuaupiki hooked the conversion left, keeping the scores level at 16-16.  

The Sea Eagles were back on top when Raymond Tuaimalo-Vaega flew high to tap a Jamie Humphreys bomb down to the halfback, then Humphreys stepped off his right to score in the 66th minute. Humphreys slotted the conversion to get back a six-point lead, 22-16.

The Sea Eagles made a meal of their set after points, kicking off out on the full, gifting the Warriors prime field position.

The Warriors took advantage when five-eighth Ben Farr dug into the line, creating space for second-rower Jacob Laban to cross with eight minutes to go. Tuaupiki once again levelled the scores at 22-22.

After absorbing immense try-line pressure from a desperate Warriors outfit, a line-break by Jaxson Paulo had Blacktown back in field position to attack. Seconds later, Paulo beat Edward Kosi to a Ben Condon bomb to snatch the lead with three minutes to play. Humphreys took his time kicking the conversion to make final score 28-22.   

Talking Points

• Blacktown’s Corey Waddell was placed on report for a careless high tackle in the game’s opening exchanges.
• Sea Eagles Matt Lodge and Watson Heleta left the field at different points throughout the game after suffering knocks to the head, but both later returned to the field.

Key Moment

A draw looked likely until a line-break from Sea Eagles centre Jaxson Paulo had the home side back in scoring position. Paulo later snatched a cross-field bomb to run away with the game and score.

What’s Next?

The Warriors head home where they will face off against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for a place in the finals next Friday, while the Sea Eagles take on the Western Suburbs Magpies at Lidcombe Oval next Saturday afternoon.

Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights

Knights fight back for win over Eels

Alex Hrissis

Game Summary

Newcastle Knights have defeated the Parramatta Eels 34-42 at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Round 24 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

Newcastle Knights scored first when some slick passing down the left edge saw Jacob Davis find Will Pryce, who threw a cutout pass to Hayden Sutton who caught the ball with the tips of his fingers and dived into the corner to score first points of the day. The try was converted from the sideline by Pryce (6-0).

The home side bounced back shortly after through Ofahiki Ogden. Parramatta found themselves within the Knights’ 10-metre line and an inside pass from Matt Doorey found the big front-rower, who powered his way through the defence to crash over and score. The try was converted to level up the scores at 6-6.

Newcastle re-took the lead in the following set through their own No.8. The left-edge attack was in full swing when Jackson Hastings found Sebastian Su’a and he ran the perfect line to score himself a try (12-6).

The left-side attack of Newcastle was bordering on unstoppable as they scored another try down that edge. Will Pryce showed off his flair to skip past a defender and found David Armstrong running through the line. The Leigh-bound fullback received the ball cleanly and dived over to score (18-6).

Parramatta clawed one back courtesy of veteran winger Isaac Lumelume. Some quick passing down the left side saw makeshift fullback Lorenzo Mulitalo offload to his winger and Lumelume used his size to muscle off the defender and score a try to trail 18-10.

The home side scored back-to-back tries for the first time in the game. Hooker Matthew Arthur found Ethan Sanders who then passed to Matt Doorey, who ran the line and pushed through Newcastle’s defence to score (18-16).

Parramatta made it three on the trot courtesy of captain Matthew Arthur. The young hooker threw a nice dummy and ran through the gap to score a try and put his side ahead 22-18 with seven minutes until the break.

It was one-way traffic at Merrylands as the Eels scored their third try in seven minutes, this time through Ethyn Martin. Mulitalo made a break on the right-hand side and eventually found Martin inside, who was unmarked and scored with ease. The try was converted to give the home team a healthy 28-18 lead heading into the sheds.

Newcastle started the second half the way they kicked off the first as they attempted to get back into the game. The combination of Pryce and Armstrong continued to bear fruit as the young half found Armstrong running inside, who bolted through the Parramatta defence to score his second try of the day (28-24).

The traveling Knights scored back-to-back tries to re-take the lead. Pryce set up yet another try as he put up a kick past the try-line and it was Thomas Jenkins who leapt in the air to catch the ball and score (30-28).

Newcastle scored three in a row and extended their lead over the home side following a tidy one-two from Laitia Moceidreke and Riley Jones. The move ended with Jones sprinting down the sideline and placing the ball between the posts for his first try of the evening (36-28).

The Knights were in cruise control midway through the second half as Armstrong grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck and extended his side’s lead even further. The fullback received the ball 10 metres out and skipped past multiple defenders to secure his hat-trick (42-28).

The Eels scored a late consolation try through winger Haze Dunster in his first game back from injury. Sanders passed along the right edge to Ethyn Martin who then found Dunster out wide, who scored with ease for a 42-34 full-time score.

Talking Points

• Will Pryce had a day out for Newcastle as he showed off his strong running game and set up three tries.
• David Armstrong was crucial in Newcastle’s win as the young fullback scored a hat-trick.
• Matt Arthur was a shining light for Parramatta in their loss, as he showed his tidy passing and slick movement out of dummy-half as well as scoring himself a try.

Key Moment

The Knights were trailing 28-22 at the break after conceding three tries in a row in the backend of the first half, but they stood tall and bounced back after halftime through David Armstrong.

What’s Next?

In Round 25 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup the Knights will face off against South Sydney Rabbitohs, while the Eels have the bye.

Western Suburbs Magpies v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs hand loss to last-placed Magpies

Anthony Eltarraf

Game Summary

The South Sydney Rabbitohs secured a comfortable 28-14 victory over the Western Suburbs Magpies this afternoon at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

The Rabbitohs fired early, scoring the first try within just two minutes through fullback Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.

Despite the early try, the visitors struggled to break the Magpies’ line until a clever chip from Brent Hawkins found a flying Tyrone Munro who was able to plant the ball down and double his side’s lead.

The Magpies brought the game back within a converted try just five minutes later, when a brilliantly executed outside-in play allowed Brent Naden to break away before offloading to Josh Feledy to score.

The hosts looked threatening in attack but poor end-of-set kicks gave the Rabbitohs easy yardage to begin their sets. The away side took full advantage with just four minutes left of the first half when Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson powered his way over to give his side an 18-6 lead at half time.

The Bunnies carried their momentum into the second half, scoring just four minutes in through Dean Hawkins who went over untouched after strolling through a huge gap. A fourth successful conversion saw the visitors extend their lead by 18.

The Rabbitohs added to their tally when a right-side shift allowed Tyrone Munro to showcase his speed as he raced down the sideline before diving over in the corner. Brent Hawkins’ first unsuccessful conversion attempt meant the scores remained 28-6.

With just over 16 minutes remaining in the game, the Magpies brought themselves back within three converted tries when Latu Fainu set up Solomon Alaimalo through a lovely rainbow pass finished off in the corner.

A last gasp effort from the Magpies saw prop Tim Johannssen dummy and score a late consolation try for the Magpies, as they went down to the Rabbitohs 28-14.

Talking Points

• The Magpies’ attack arguably looked its best this season, with both halves creating exciting plays and threatening the Bunnies’ line throughout the game.
• Dean and Brent Hawkins took control of the game, guiding their side around the pitch and leading them to a well-deserved victory.
• The Magpies had no shortage of opportunities in the red zone throughout the game but the Rabbitohs’ goal-line defence constantly stood strong.
  

Key Moment

Dean Hawkins’ try to kick off the point scoring in the second half gave the Rabbitohs just enough breathing room to help secure the victory. After a penalty gifted the visitors early field position, the halfback helped himself to an easy four-pointer when a huge gap opened up in front of him.

What’s Next?

The Magpies look ahead to their clash against the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles next week at Lidcombe Oval, while the Rabbitohs return home to host the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders

Raiders guarantee finals appearance with 28-12 win

Bailey Whitton

Game Summary

The Canberra Raiders have cemented their spot in the finals with a strong 28-12 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons who will have another two weeks to fight for a spot in the top five.

With both teams playing set for set football in the opening 15 minutes of the game, it was the Raiders who opened the scoring through Mitchell Spencer who regathered a kick from halfback Mitch Henderson (6-0).

The Raiders tested the Dragons defensive line on each play, with the home team displaying a great defensive effort as a team, holding the Raiders out for majority of the opening half.  

The away team finally found a break in the Dragons defensive line in the 32nd minute with captain Hohepa Puru breaking passed defenders to score (12-0).

With three minutes remaining before half time, The Dragons found themselves close to their try line and shifted the ball down the left for Benjamin Johnson to score (12-6).

The second half started similar to the opening 40 minutes of the game, with both teams completing their sets but finding it hard to add points.

Similar to the first half, the Raiders were the first to find points in the second half through winger Josh Billing who dived over in the corner (18-0).

With the new found momentum, the Raiders kicked it up another gear and crossed for their second try in six minutes through forward Jordan Martin (24-6).

Only four minutes later, Canberra found the line once again with Billing crossing for his second try of the day to extend his teams lead out to 22 points.

But the Dragons wouldn’t let them have the final say, with Declan Purcell burrowing over for a consolation try in the dying minutes, sending the game out 28-12. 

Key moment

In the first half, the Dragons put a kick through to the goal with chasers on, but it was taken by Corey Horsburgh. He looked to step out but instead decided he’d charge through and dove to keep it in the field of play.

Talking Points 

• Jonah Glover's kicking kept the Dragons in the match.  They were getting dominated field position wise but Glover kept the fight around the middle because of how deep he could get the ball, even when kicking from inside the 40 repeatedly.
• The Raiders forward pack was the biggest stand out. They did phenomenally to smother the Dragons for a large portion of the game, and when they couldn’t they stood their ground defensively and withstood all the attack thrown at them.

What’s Next

The Raiders will play the Panthers back in Canberra next week on their way to finals, and the Dragons will host the Jets, resting their finals hopes on the results falling in their favour.

North Sydney Bears v Penrith Panthers

Bears lose outright competition lead but halt three game losing streak with come-from-behind draw against the Panthers

Stewart Moses 

Game Summary

The Penrith Panthers’ finals hopes hang in the balance as their unbeaten run stretches to five matches but for the second successive week have to settle for a 24-all draw which stops the visitors a golden opportunity to move into the top five given other results over the weekend.

The Panthers in both halves shot out to handy 12-point leads but at the back end of both halves, were guilty of making crucial errors that allowed the home side to escape with a share of the competition points.

The Bears weren’t helped by with the withdrawal of star fullback Sualuavi Faalogo along with key outside back Dean Ieremia, but the Panthers were equally hampered by the withdrawal of Brad Schnieder and Luke Sommerton although those losses were at least tempered by the inclusion of Sunia Turuva, Trent Toelau and Luron Patea.

Penrith opened the scoring in the 13th minute when a Toelau kick was fumbled in-goal by his opposing half, Harradyn Wilson and the Panther was on hand to ground the loose ball to score underneath the posts and with his own conversion the visitors had a dream 6-0 start.

The Panthers continued to dominate possession from the restart and doubled their lead five minutes later when a sweeping play right saw Toelau lay on a sublime short pass for his centre Samuel Lane to stroll over from close range (12-0).

The Bears finally opened their account in the 24 minute, when a quick play allowed centre Jerry Key to crash over out in the north-east corner and with fullback Kieran Heyman landing the successful conversion from the eastern touchline, the Bears trailed 12-6.

A Penrith knock on from a Hayman bomb 25m out enabled the Bears to level the scores when the competition’s leading try scorer, Allan Fitzgibbon scorched the Panthers’ defence off the scrum, to score in the north-east corner and with the competition’s leading point scorer, Heyman on song yet again with his conversion attempt, the Bears levelled the scores 12 a piece after 33 minutes.

Just as they did in the first half, the Panthers came out of the sheds to score two quick tries in the second half to restore their 12-point advantage.

The first was laid on courtesy of a grubber kick from five eighth Tyrone Peachey that rebounded off the Bears defensive line back inside to backrower Harrison Hassett to score unopposed. The second try was a freakish piece of athleticism from centre who outleapt the defence to touch down out wide, both converted out by Toelau to give the Panthers a 24-12 lead after 47 minutes.

The Bears weren’t to be denied however and put themselves back within six points when they capitalised from an Isiaiah Iongi kick return error to score a few plays later when former Panther Ativalu Lisati crashed over next to the posts from close range in the 62nd minute.

The home side once again levelled the scores with six minutes remaining, taking full advantage of a kick out on the full from Toelau to score out wide through Key.

Despite Toelau having three attempted field goal shots to break the 24-all deadlock, the Panthers for the second week in succession have to settle for a share of the competition points.

Key Points:

• The 24-all draw means that the Panthers remain unbeaten in their last five games but with two successive draws, they continue to walk the finals tightrope.
• The draw also ends a three-game losing streak for the North Sydney Bears who move into a share of the competition lead but settle for second behind the Raiders on for and against.
• Both sides are set to miss key players for the next round with Bears’ Regan Hughes and the Panthers’ Riley Wake both failing their HIA’s.
• The 24-all draw is now Penrith’s third of the season but moves the Panthers one point ahead of the Dragons into sixth place and one point behind fifth-placed Bulldogs with two rounds remaining.

Play of the Game

The Bears showed tremendous courage to twice come back from 12-point deficits, the second occasion coming with a brilliant try down the right edge to Jerry Key with six minutes remaining.

What's Next

The Penrith Panthers once again hit the road when they take on competition leaders, the Canberra Raiders in a must win game next Saturday while the North Sydney Bears head over to Wentworth Oval the next day to play the Sydney Roosters.

Sydney Roosters v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Roosters Win One Point Thriller

Ella Mullins

Game Summary

The Sydney Roosters have pulled off an upset 23-22 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to close out Round 24 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

Bulldogs centre Eli Clark found the line, ducking low to score the first try of the day (4-0).

The Bulldogs went for back-to-back through Jonathan Sua who successfully found space in the Roosters defensive line to score and extend his sides lead out to 10 points.

Winger Jordi Mazzone was the next Bulldog to score, creating space for himself on the sideline to race past Roosters defenders to score (14-4).

Determined to hit back before the halftime siren, the Roosters found the line just on half time. A show and go from centre Ethan King gifted the Roosters with four points to have the score be 14-4 at half time.

King started the second half how he finished the fisrt, bagging his second try of the afternoon after racing through the defensive line to score (14-10).

The next 25 minutes was a tit-for-tat affair with each squad coming close to putting numbers on the board, however a penalty to the Bulldogs saw the score be extended out to 16-10.

Debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase opened his account in his first game scoring in the corner, levelling the score at 16-all.

Within the next three minutes each team added six points through Bulldogs forward Kitione Kaultoga and Roosterswinger Tyreece Tait to bring the score to 22-all with only minutes remaining on the clock.

With less than 10 seconds on the clock Roosters halfback Hugo Savala kicked a field goal from 30 metres out to secure the win for his side.

Talking Points

• Chris Patolo was subbed off in the 18th minute for a head injury assessment after a heavy challenge from the Roosters.
• Nawaqanitawase looked to be in hot water after a high tackle against Kitione Kautoga but the debutant was left unscathed.
• Two Roosters players were put on report for high tackles.
• Mazzone was assisted off the field with three minutes of play remaining with a suspected leg injury.

Key Moment

• Mark Nawaqanitawase made his KOE Cup debut on behalf of the Roosters. Named in the starting line-up on the wing, the former Rugby Sevens player is fresh off the back foot after Australia’s 2024 Summer Olympics campaign in Paris.
• Savala’s last moment field goal was electric and secured his side a significant win for their season.

What's next?

The Bulldogs will kick-off Round 25 with Friday night footy against the Warriors in Auckland. The Sydney Rooster will remain on home ground at Wentworth Park for a tussle against the second placed North Sydney Bears.