Live Coverage | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup - Round 25

Finals football secured

Richard Becht & photosport.nz

New South Wales Cup finals football has been locked in for the One New Zealand Warriors after a commanding 42-10 win over Canterbury Bankstown at Shaun Johnson Stadium on Friday night.

It was fourth (Warriors) against fifth (Bulldogs) and. while the positions on the ladder remained unchanged after the result, the Warriors have moved up to 33 points.

With one game to play they’re three points clear of the Bulldogs with Penrith four points behind on 29 in sixth leaving the Warriors assured of being in the top five.

All that remains now is whether they can secure a top three spot and a second life for the finals when they play the third-placed Newtown Jets next weekend.

After their heartbreaking 22-28 loss to the Sea Eagles last week, the blowtorch was on the Warriors and they responded superbly tonight.

While they conceded an early try, they quickly turned the momentum in their favour with an irresistible 10-minute three-try charge.

It was started by centre Moala Graham-Taufa in the ninth minute and followed by winger Edward Kosi (13th minute) and second rower Jacob Laban with a powerhouse effort in the 19th minute.

That took them out to a 16-6 lead which became 22-6 with a Setu Tu try six minutes before halftime.

The One New Zealand Warriors maintained the rage after the break when Laban scored his second try in the 49th minute.

The Bulldogs stemmed the flow with a second Jonathan Sua try but it was all Warriors over the last stanza with a second try for Tu and then a Ben Farr double to finish off.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Newtown Jets 

Dragons keep finals dreams alive with victory over Jets

Bailey Whitton

Game Summary

St George Illawarra Dragons defeated third-placed Newtown Jets 34-24 at Collegians Sporting Complex in Wollongong, to keep their finals hopes alive in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

The Dragons rushed the Jets off the kick-off, squashing them inside their 20 and forcing them to come up with something to break out. The Jets responded by holding the line defensively and forcing a Dragons error.

The Dragons combined some hard runs and smart passes to eat metres in the following sets, while the Jets tried to kick themselves out of danger and spread their opposition.

A mistimed run off a kick gave the Jets an offside penalty and they immediately pounced on the opportunity.

Prop Tuku Hau Tapuha made a break through the middle off the restart, leaving the Dragons defenders scrambling to get back. Niwhai Puru took advantage and stabbed a kick through the line with Blake Hosking chasing through and diving on it to score the opening points.

A high tackle from the Jets gave the Dragons a set starting in their half, followed by a six-again 10 metres from the try-line. They shifted from side to side looking for a hole to form, then Jonah Glover looked for a grubber, but the Jets knocked it down to save a potential try.

The Jets' success in shutting it down wouldn’t last long as the Dragons went left off the scrum, passing through Ashton Ward, Haele Finau and ending up with Savelio Tamale. The Jets looked to shepherd him over the sideline, but he danced back infield and over the line, tying the game back up at 6-6.

The Jets' kick-off spiralled away from the Dragons players awaiting the catch, forcing a drop-out. The Dragons gave away an offside penalty from the kick, compounding the errors. Then the Jets shifted the ball right and Jackson Ferris ended up running straight through the defence, getting their lead back at 12-6.

The Dragons' next set saw some offloads from the kick return getting them over halfway just three tackles in. Jonah Glover took a run on last passing along to Dan Russell, grubbering in-goal to sit up perfectly with the Jets needing to play it out to save their lead.

Dan Russell drew in defenders with a run threatening to topple over the line, and Connor Muhleisen seized his chance with a quick scoot from dummy-half to score the Dragons' second try of the game (12-12).

The Jets made it back downfield and the Dragons rocketed out, getting a penalty for offside as the Jets desperately tried to shut them down.

The Dragons spread right with fullback Haele Finau coming in to give them the numbers advantage and sending Benjamin Johnson through the hole, finishing the half with the Dragons in front for the first time, 18-12.

The Jets kicked off the second half and their defence rushed out too quickly, giving the Dragons a penalty within a minute of the half beginning.

A high tackle from the Dragons on the next set gave the Jets the opportunity to poke their heads through the line but were met by a swarm of Dragons players. They spread it quickly to Jordin Lieu, hitting and spinning through the Dragons line (18-18).

The Dragons established their dominance once more, powering through the Jets and keeping them locked down defensively, resulting in a forced drop out a few minutes later. Ashton Ward took the drop out and sprinted for the line, getting close to scoring, but being denied. At the end of the set, Jonah Glover put up a kick with the Dragons attempting to bat it back. His bat back was successful, with Ashton Ward running it through for the try and a six-point lead.

Six would become 10 soon after, when Jonah Glover beat the Jets' defence to take a contested bomb for another try, taking the score out to 28-18.

The Jets followed up by giving away two penalties as the Dragons chipped away at their defensive line.

Ashton Ward broke the line once again with a cross-field bomb to Dan Russell, who took it with ease for another Dragons try. The Dragons' dominance had worn the Jets down. With only eight minutes to go, the Jets were trailing 34-18.

A few sets later and the Jets were back on the attack, Haele Finau had to run a deep kick back from the in-goal and was swamped after a bad bounce delayed his run back. He tried to pass it out to his winger, but the panic pass was fumbled, with Tuku Hau Tapuha taking the loose ball and scoring a consolation try, sending out the game with the full-time score 34-24.

Talking Points

• The Dragons' middles continuously impressed throughout the match, outmuscling the Jets at every turn. Dylan Egan, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Joshua Coric were especially notable with their runs.
• Ashton Ward impressed with his performance, constantly looking for opportunities to turn into momentum. 

Key Moment

Ashton Ward's try was the point when the Dragons earned the win. They were under pressure before that but had repelled the Jets and taken over the battle for field position. They needed to maintain their composure and create points and Ward's try did just that.

What's Next?

With both teams in the finals race, they will look to get important wins next week. The Dragons challenge the Parramatta Eels to try and lock in their spot, while the Jets take on the Warriors in a final-five preview.

Western Suburbs Magpies v Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 

Magpies finish season on a high at Lidcombe Oval

Bethany Conlon

Game Summary

The last-placed Western Suburbs Magpies finished off their season with a fantastic win over the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles. The Magpies overcame a 16-point deficit to win 40-36 on Old Boys Day in at Lidcombe Oval in Round 25.

Sea Eagles centre Jaxson Paulo put winger Watson Heleta over with a flick pass for first points in the 11thminute Paulo’s conversion strayed to the left, 4-0.

It was tries in back-to-back sets for the Sea Eagles as hooker Jake Simpkin took off from dummy-half, beating three Magpies tackles to score in the 14th minute. A better strike from Paulo extended the lead to 10-0.

The Magpies found themselves in good field position, after the Sea eagles failed to collect the kick off in swirling winds. The Magpies capitalised on the error hitting back through centre Josh Feledy, burrowing over the line in the 17th minute. Hooker Tallyn Da Silva’s conversion reduced the deficit to 10-6.

The Sea Eagles stole back the momentum when halfback Jamie Humphreys broke through a fatigued Magpies defence. With a quick play-the-ball, lock Aaron Woods showed his ball-playing prowess, setting up the four pointer for front-rower Aitasi James in the 23rd minute. Paulo slotted the conversion, making it 16-6.

The Sea Eagles seemingly broke the game open in the 26th minute, when Caleb Navale burst through a hole and ran 50 metres to score. Paulo added the extras, 22-6.

The Sea Eagles gifted the Magpies possession in their 20 when Clayton Faulalo was stripped of the ball from the kick-off. Capitalising on the error, five-eighth Brent Naden collected an offload from second-rower Lachlan Broederlow to dive over the line in the 32nd minute. Da Silva made it two from two, 22-12.

Brent Naden’s footwork busted open a reeling Sea Eagles defence in the 36th minute. Backing up his five-eighth, hooker Da Silva beat Blacktown chasers to get the Magpies back in the contest. Da Silva’s conversion bounced off the posts, keeping the score at 22-16.

A line break from Sea Eagles fullback Clayton Faulolo caught the magpies off-guard in the dying seconds of the first half. Working to slow down play, Magpies halfback James Valevatu was sent to the bin as the Sea Eagles took the opportunity to extent their lead to 24-16 heading into halftime.

With a man in the bin, the Magpies were first to strike after halftime, creating an overlap for Charbel Tasipale to score in the corner in the 42nd minute. Da Silva brought his team within two to start the half, 22-24.

After absorbing pressure from the opposition, a right edge raid put the Sea Eagles in good field position late in the set. A quick play-the-ball opened space for Aaron Woods to score under the sticks in the 50th minute. Paulo’s kick made it 30-22.

A loose carry from Sea Eagles front-rower Matt Lodge gave the Magpies an attacking chance. Swinging play left, five-eighth Brent Naden double-pumped to centre Josh Feledy, who crossed in the 54th minute. Da Silva got his side back within two, 30-28.

Momentum was well and truly behind the Magpies when the Sea Eagles were penalised for slowing down the play-the-ball. Da Silva tried his hand 40 metres out, levelling scores 30-30 in the 66th minute.

The Magpies stole the lead for the first time with a line break from front-rower Tim Johansenn. Brent Naden backed up his front-rower, darting to the line to score his second in the 67th minute. Da Silva’s conversion waved left, keeping the lead 34-30.

Suddenly, a penalty for a crusher tackle saw the Sea Eagles take possession within the Magpies’ 20 metres. Sea Eagles Prop Toa Sipley crashed through poor line defence to tie things back up in the 72nd minute. Paulo slotted it in front of the sticks, snatching back the lead at 36-34.

Just as it looked like Blacktown had locked up the win, multiple offloads from the Magpies kept the Sea Eagles guessing.

With a minute and a half to go, centre Josh Feledy put on some footwork to open the left edge. As the centre darted upfield, he found Da Silva streaking up the middle in support scoring under the sticks to steal the win.

Talking Points

Da Silva was placed on report for a cannonball tackle on Aaron Woods’ in the sixth minute.
Magpies second-rower Lachlan Broederlow was placed on report for a crusher tackle on Brad Parker in the 72nd minute.

Key Moment

The Magpies scored with a man in the bin in the 42nd minute, the right edge creating an overlap for Charbel Tasipale to score in the corner early in the second half. The play not only brought the Magpies back within two points but reflected their intent to end the season on a high. 

What’s Next?

With a bye next week the Magpies have finished their season with a win, while the Sea Eagles face off against the sixth-placed Bulldogs at Belmore to round out their 2024 season.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights 

Knights first-half blitz secures victory

Daneie Geddes

Game Summary

The Newcastle Knights stormed into Accor Stadium and claimed a hard-fought 36-24 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but they had to weather a fierce second-half comeback from the home side to secure the win.

The opening half was a showcase of the Knights' supremacy, as they scored four unanswered tries to establish a lead that would prove insurmountable.

The action kicked off when Hayden Sutton crossed the line just eight minutes in, setting the tone for the first half. Sutton’s try was a sign of things to come, as the Knights swiftly took control.

For the next 10 minutes the teams traded sets, each trying to assert their dominance. But it was Newcastle who capitalised on their opportunities, maintaining their momentum with a relentless attack leaving the Rabbitohs scrambling to keep up.

In the 11th minute, Jackson Hastings made a line break through the Rabbitohs' defence, creating a golden opportunity for the Knights. Thomas Jenkins seized the moment with a deft kick-chase, dotting down for Newcastle’s second try.

The Rabbitohs briefly regained possession but were thwarted by a critical error, ending their chance to respond.

The Knights were not done yet. By the 22nd minute, Riley Jones took advantage of a clever pass to cross the line for Newcastle’s third try of the half. Hastings added the conversion, extending the lead 16-nil.

Before the first-half siren rang out, the Knights went in for another through Sutton for his second. Hastings missed the conversion but made a last minute penalty shot for a 22-nil lead heading into the second half.

As the whistle blew for halftime, the Knights were firmly in the driver's seat with a four-try advantage securing a comfortable buffer.

As the second half kicked off, the Knights wasted no time extending their advantage. Temple Kalepo touched down on the left edge. Despite a missed conversion, the Knights looked unstoppable, piling on five unanswered tries to stretch their lead by a commanding 26 points.

The Rabbitohs, determined to turn the tide, finally broke their drought in the 55th minute. Ryan Gray fought his way over the line, with Brent Hawkins successfully converting to close the gap to 26-6.

Newcastle quickly responded to the Rabbitohs' challenge. Fullback David Armstrong made a break before offloading to captain Tom Cant, who powered through on a 40-metre run to score.

The Knights seemed to regain control but the Rabbitohs weren’t done yet. The final quarter intensified when Siliva Havili burrowed his way under the posts. Another successful conversion narrowed the deficit 30-12 with 17 minutes remaining.

The Bunnies struck again when Hawkins broke through the Knights’ defence, offloading to Dion Teaupua who scored a crucial try. Hawkins’ conversion brought the Rabbitohs within 12 points at 18-30, igniting hopes of a comeback.

As the final minutes ticked down, the Rabbitohs intensified their push and the Knights appeared to falter under mounting pressure. With just four minutes remaining, the Bunnies scored once more.

But Newcastle's defence held firm and their resilience was rewarded when they scored a decisive final try through Thomas Jenkins, his second of the night. The Knights secured a 36-24 victory, weathering the Rabbitohs’ late charge to clinch a well-earned win.

Talking Points

• Thomas Jenkins and Hayden Sutton both bagged two tries for the Knights, with Ryan Gray doing the same for the Rabbitohs.
• In a pivotal moment during the 55th minute, Gray sparked the Rabbitohs' hopes of a comeback by bulldozing over the line to secure their first try of the night.
• Brent Hawkins played a crucial role for South Sydney, slotting key conversions to trim the Knights' lead.
• The second half reinvigorated the Rabbitohs, who ramped up their attack in a determined effort to shift the momentum.

Key Moment

In the 11th minute, Jackson Hastings carved through the Rabbitohs' defence with a dazzling line break, setting the stage for Newcastle's dominance. Seizing the opportunity, Thomas Jenkins executed a precise kick-chase, sprinting to gather the ball and score Newcastle’s second try, firmly establishing their control over the game.

What's Next?

Next week, the Knights head to North Sydney Oval to face the Bears on Saturday, while the Rabbitohs wrap up their season with a Friday night showdown at BlueBet Stadium against the Penrith Panthers.

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers 

Panthers hold off first-placed Raiders in Canberra

Tahlie Gavin

Game Summary

A competitive first-half performance saw the Canberra Raiders pull together a late try to take a four-point lead at halftime, but a back-and-forth second half saw the Penrith Panthers score a last-minute try to take out a 26-24 win over Canberra.

The Panthers were first to make their mark on the game with second-rower Harrison Hasset on the receiving end of an incredible kick-rebound to put the ball down over the line. Paul Alamoti converted from in front of the posts.

The Raiders finally got their chance to answer back in the 26th minute with a try to their winger Jed Stuart. A lovely cut-out pass to Stuart saw him run and dive over the line with ease. Adam Cook converted successfully from the sideline bringing scores level at 6-6.

With seven minutes to go in the first half, the Panthers were given a penalty which saw Raiders’ Jordan Martin placed on report. The Panthers took the two-point penalty goal advantage to regain the lead.

A step and line break from Nick Cotric saw the Raiders set up good field position leading up to halftime. A few hard runs at the Penrith line saw Canberra put in a short kick to find late inclusion Trey Mooney chasing hard and managing to get the ball down in-goal before going dead. A successful kick from Cook saw the Raiders head into halftime leading 12-8.

The Panthers produced the first points of the second half through a pass to lock Matthew Eisenhuth who crashed his way over the line. Alamoti successfully converted.

The Canberra Raiders forced their way back into the lead with Noah Martin breaking through the Panthers’ defensive line to score under the posts. A successful conversion from Cook took the Raiders back to a four-point lead.

Just three minutes later the Raiders extended their lead through hooker Owen Pattie. A great run from Pattie saw him get the ball down under the posts. Cook converted again from in front (24-14).

An error from the Raiders on the Panthers’ try-line saw Penrith on the attack in close range. It didn’t take long before fullback Isaiah Iongi worked his way over the try-line. Alamoti converted taking the Panthers to just four points behind.

With two minutes left on the clock the Panthers produced a miracle try. Paul Alamoti ran down the sideline and looked certain to be taken out of play by Raiders’ defence but managed to get a sneaky pass away to winger Sunia Turuva, who ran away to score. A crucial kick for Alamoti was successful as he took the Panthers to a 26-24 victory at GIO Stadium.

Talking Points

• Panthers’ Jack Cole was assisted off the field in the fifth minute of the game. He was later seen on the sidelines with crutches and ice wrapped around his right ankle.
• Raiders’ Jordan Martin was placed on report during the first half.
• Raiders’ Peter Taateo was placed on report early in the second half.

Key Moment

It was a tight finish in the nation’s capital with the Penrith Panthers pulling off an incredible try through Sunia Turuva off the back of Paul Alamoti’s efforts. With less then two minutes on the clock, the Raiders executed a successful short kick-off as they charged their way up the field in an attempt to put together a last-ditch try. A pass out to Stuart on the wing saw him fronted by Penrith defenders and tackled as the siren sounded. The Turuva try sealed the deal for the Panthers.

What’s Next?

The Panthers will head back home to BlueBet Stadium to host the South Sydney Rabbitohs, while the Raiders head to Wentworth Park to take on the Sydney Roosters in the last round of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup regular season.

Sydney Roosters v North Sydney Bears