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

Bears hold off fast-finishing Panthers for back-to-back wins

Stewart Moses

Match summary

The 11th-placed North Sydney Bears have defied a poor 3-17 record against their opponents to upset the fast-finishing Penrith Panthers 26-24 at Parker St Reserve.

With the Panthers losing some key personnel leading into the clash, they were no match in the first half for a Bears side influenced heavily by the performances of late inclusions, fullback Jake Toby and five-eighth Jesse Marschke, to set up a 22-6 lead at the main break.

Having trailed 26-6 early in the second half, the home side stormed back into contention with three unanswered tries in 10 minutes to trail 26-24.

The Panthers enjoyed an early territorial advantage but it was the Bears who opened the scoring, albeit against the run of play when Joe Chan pounced on a Penrith bat-back from a cross-field kick. The back-rower showed remarkable pace to race away 90 metres to score out wide. With half Harradyn Wilson landing the conversion the Bears had the early 6-0 lead after 9 minutes.

A kick-retrieval error presented the Bears with an attacking scrum 15 metres out from the Panthers' line and they duly scored with a sweeping back-line movement from the scrum win, with winger Abiarthur Toi Tuilaepa diving over in the north-west corner to extend the Bears' lead to 10 after 14 minutes of play.

Bears winger Matt Komolafe was given an opportunity to extend the lead in the 25th minute only to be stripped on the line by the Panthers. 

But from the ensuring goal-line drop-out, the Bears’ adventurous play to keep the ball alive paid dividends when Jake Toby pounced on a loose pass to score. With Wilson again converting from out wide, the visitors enjoyed a shock 16-0 lead after 26 minutes.

A last-tackle penalty conceded by the Bears inside their own 20 presented the Panthers with their first score of the afternoon when a quick shift left ended with a floating pass to unmarked winger Asu Kepaoa to score out wide, converted by half Zac Lamont to reduce the deficit to 10, trailing 16-6 after 32 minutes.

A incident late in the first half incident that saw Penrith centre Sam Lane on report and into the sin bin proved costly when, from the ensuing penalty, Bears interchange forward Sean Vaivelata stormed on to a short pass to crash over underneath the posts from short range. It once again gave the visitors a handy 22-6 lead heading into half-time following the conversion to former Panther, Matt Stimson.

Having weathered some repeat sets of their own inside their 20, the Bears capitalised when given some repeat sets inside Penrith’s 20 when lock forward Trey Brown toed ahead a loose ball and was first on the scene to score out wide to give the visitors the biggest lead of the game, 26-6 after 50 minutes.

Penrith finally scored their second try of the afternoon when a quick shift right ended with centre Sam Lane crashing over out wide, and with Lamont’s successful conversion the Panthers had some hope trailing 26-12.

Penrith scored again moments later when a kick error from North Sydney gave the Panthers prime attacking position inside the 20. The home side showed incredible skill going left to right across the field before a Jesse McLean run created the overlap back on the left for centre David Fale to score out wide. With Lamont again successful the Panthers were back in the game, 26-18 down with 16 minutes remaining.

A grandstand finish was ensured when Lamont showed a surprise turn of speed and a step close to the line to score next to the posts with the Bears now clinging to a two-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

But despite having several attacking opportunities in the closing minutes, a combination of desperate, scrambling Bears defence and poor options taken by the Panthers at key moments saw the visitors hang on for a 26-24 victory.

Talking points

• The Panthers came into the clash looking to cement their place near the top of the ladder with a potential fourth consecutive win.
• Panthers second-rower Harry Hassett was placed on report in the first half as was centre Sam Lane, the latter also placed in the sin bin for his troubles.
• Bears back-rower Matt Stimson, coming up against his old club, was also placed on report in the first half. Bears winger Matt Komolafe was placed on report for a second half misdemeanour.

Key moment

Sam Lane was both hero and villain in this game. Having scored the try that started the Panthers' comeback, it was a first-half misdemeanour that left his team one man short leading into the break and enabled the Bears the opportunity to score a converted try during that period, that ultimately proved the difference between the two sides in an entertaining clash.

What's next?

The Panthers will return to Parker St Reserve on Friday, albeit as visitors, as the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are forced to play their home game away from 4 Pines Park. 

On Sunday in Round Six the Bears return to North Sydney Oval when they host the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Parramatta Eels v St George Dragons

Eels and Dragons play out thrilling draw at CommBank Stadium

Anthony Eltarraf

Match summary

The Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons could not be separated in a dramatic Round Five clash, finishing 28-all in a seesawing affair at CommBank Stadium.

The Dragons flew out of the blocks, scoring in their very first set when Cody Ramsey burst through the line before offloading to halfback Jonah Glover, who crossed under the posts.

A tightly contested 20-minutes followed before Parramatta responded with a set-piece play on the right edge. Te Hurinui Twidle dummied and went himself, but Joash Papalii’s missed conversion left the Eels trailing 6-4.

The hosts soon took the lead through a well-weighted Ryan Matterson grubber that found Dan Keir in the in-goal, with the Eels captain backing it up minutes later with a strong effort close to the line to grab his second. Papalii added the extras on both occasions to give Parramatta a 16-6 lead at the break.

The Dragons came out firing in the second period, scoring in the opening set just as they did in the first half, through Lyhkan King-Togia who finished off a Glover line-break.

The visitors struggled to keep momentum as Parramatta bounced back with a deceptive short ball from Papalii, which found Kelma Tuilagi, who crashed over for his first try of the season.

The Dragons wouldn’t go away however, with Glover and King-Togia combining again to score an almost-identical try to their previous. Glover broke through the line again before finding his halves partner back on the inside to score between the posts. The halfback’s fourth successful conversion brought the score to 22-18.

The Red V finally scored a second try in a row to level the score through a left-side shift which found Mathew Feagai, who powered his way over. Glover’s first unsuccessful conversion attempt meant the scores remained level, at 22 apiece.

With under 10 minutes remaining, Twidle produced a brilliant play—breaking a tackle before grubbering to the corner for Bailey Simonsson to mark his return with a try. Papalii’s sideline conversion gave Parramatta a six-point buffer.

But Glover had the final say, again slicing through and finding Corey Allan to dive over. The Dragons’ halfback and star man nailed the conversion to tie the game, but his last-second field goal attempt fell short, and both teams settled for a point after an action-packed 28-28 draw.

Talking points

• Both halves pairings were impressive, steering their teams around the park and showcasing great composure under pressure.
• Jonah Glover was outstanding this afternoon, finishing the game with a try and three try assists.
• Parramatta’s forward pack laid a strong platform, with Kayne Kalache proving tough to contain for the opposition defence, and Ryan Matterson acting as another playmaker on the field.

Key moment

The scoreline perfectly reflected the contest’s intensity as Jonah Glover once again proved too dangerous. With just two minutes left, the Dragons' halfback poked his way through the defensive line before linking with captain Corey Allan who crossed over. Glover slotted the ball over the crossbar to level the game and secure a competition point for his side.

What’s next?

The Eels host the Canberra Raiders at Lidcombe Oval next week, while the Dragons welcome the Sydney Roosters to Wollongong with both sides aiming to go one better and secure a win.

Canberra Raiders v Newtown Jets

Young Raiders dominate defending Premiers in the capital

Tahlie Gavin

Match summary

The Canberra Raiders have produced their first win of the season taking down the undefeated defending Premiers, the Newtown Jets, 42-14.

A gripping start to the game saw both teams neck and neck early, but the Raiders took the lead at half-time going into the sheds 18-8. Finding a new stride in the second half it was Raiders domination, as they blew the Newtown Jets off the park.

In the first five minutes, after a six-again call in close scoring territory for the Jets, a grubber kick from skipper Jayden Berrell saw lock Hohepa Puru lead the chase. Collecting the ball in the in-goal, Puru scored the first points of the afternoon for the Jets against his former club. Niwhai Puru failed to convert as the Jets took an early lead (4-0).

Just minutes later the Raiders answered back as Myles Martin broke the Jets' defensive line, strolling towards the try-line. Looking for speed to take it all the way, he put in a grubber kick that found his co-captain Adam Cook, who tumbled his way over the line. Cook converted his try taking the Raiders to a two-point lead 12 minutes into the first half (4-6).

Off the back of a penalty the Raiders found themselves terrorising the Jets with field position once again. Five-eighth Jalen Afamasaga put in a short cut-out pass to centre Jed Stuart in the clear who ran his way over to score halfway through the first half. Cook converted successfully, extending the Raiders lead (4-12).

With just over 10 minutes to go in the first half, the Raiders found themselves in close attacking range again. On the last, Cook kicked the ball up high as Jed Stuart jumped up, collected the ball and finding his way over the try-line to score his second of the afternoon. A successful conversion from Cook saw the Raiders extend their lead further against the defending premiers, now 14 points in front (4-18).

The Raiders were once again attacking in close range, but this time Jets half Niwahi Puru intercepted the ball and dashed away, finding centre Michael Gabrael to his left to score. Another failed conversion attempt saw the Raiders go into the sheds in front, 18-8.

Two minutes into the first half, the Raiders were  a man down as late inclusion, Trey Mooney, was sent to the sin bin. The Jets capitalised and powered their way up the field. A grubber kick from Hohepa Puru saw Jets number 14, Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa, slam the ball down in the in-goal to score. Niwahi Puru successfully converted taking the Jets four points behind to start the second half 18-14.

Picking up a Jets loose ball, Raiders fullback Chevy Stewart gunned his way down the field before getting tackled. Passing out to the left, Jenson Taumoepeau came up with the ball, stepping around the Jets' defence as he ran his way to the try-line. Cook converted as the Raiders jumped to a 10-point lead (24-14).

Six minutes later, the Raiders found themselves over the try-line again, this time through second-rower Joe Roddy, who bounced through the defence off an Adam Cook pass. Cook added the extras as the Raiders led 30-14.

Asomua and Afamasaga both crossed in final 20 minutes to round out the 42-14 full-time score, as the Raiders recorded their first win of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup 2025 season.

Talking points

• Hohepa Puru returned to the nation's capital for the first time since signing with the Newtown Jets as he faced up against his former team.
• Raiders Trey Mooney and Joe Roddy were placed on report during the first half.
• Jets forward Billy Magoulias was placed on report during the second half.
• Trey Mooney was sent to the sin bin two minutes into the second half after a scuffle between the two teams.

Key moment

Michael Asomua has put arguably the shot of the season on Jets five-eighth Riley Pollard in an effort to stop another Jets try early in the second half. The Jets were attacking close to the line when Pollard came up with the ball but was stopped not long after Asomua forced him to knock the ball on. Chevy Stewart was quick to pick up the loose ball as he ran his way up the field. Shortly after, the Raiders produced their first of many tries in the second half.

What’s next?

The Raiders will look for their second win of the season as they head to Lidcombe Oval to take on the Parramatta Eels in Round Six, while the Jets travel to Auckland to take on the Warriors.

Manly Sea Eagles v Western Suburbs Magpies

Match Summary

Sea Eagles Soar Clear of Magpies in 78-point Try Fest

Mason Cernoy

There were plenty of points at 4 Pines Park this afternoon, with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles defeating the Western Suburbs Magpies 52-26. 

Both sides took a little while to click into gear but it was the Magpies who got things started when Jaxson Rahme put his ball playing skills on show to put Kit Laulilii over the line for first points of the match.

Unfortunately for them, a play the ball error in the set that followed proved to be extremely costly when Manly levelled the scores off that possession. They made their way down the field with ease and after looking like they were going to cross on almost every play, Arthur found the opportunity to throw a beautiful cut-out floater to Navren Willett.

Their previous set attacking the Magpies line was a sign of things to come, as Jordan Swann broke the line with ease and raced to the corner for a second Manly try. Picking up three more tries in the next 10 minutes, the Sea Eagles were putting on the score with ease and picked up a commanding lead very quickly, finding themselves up by 22 after two tries for Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and one for Aaron Schoupp.

After receiving a penalty in the dying stages of the half, the Magpies put a shift on to the right where Solomona Faataape muscled his way over to close the margin on the stroke of halftime.

The two sides competed hard for the early stages of the second half, with the Magpies desperate to be next on the scoreboard, but when Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega completed his hat-trick Manly got back into their groove pretty quickly, with tries for Jacob Sykes and Zaidas Muagututia to take the score out to 46-10. 

With a half century in sight, the Sea Eagles took their foot off the gas, allowing a few late tries to be scored by the Magpies, with Elie El-Zakhem scoring off a one out play and Heath Mason completing an 80 metre try from an Izaac Tu’itupou line-break the following set.

Wests grew in confidence and began moving the ball lots, but eventually conceded possession when Alex Lobb lost the ball in an attempt to score and Vaega made his way around halfway in broken play, which eventually lead to Dean Matterson putting the icing on the cake after barging his way over the line.

Faataape scored another impressive try late in the piece to bring up the fifth for his side, but the Western Suburbs Magpies could only produce half of Manly’s total in the end.

Talking Points

• Jake Arthur has had another stellar performance early in the season, laying on five tries for his side
•  Solomona Faataape was impressive in a losing side, proving to be physically dominant close to the line
• This action packed game had the highest scoreline in a Knock-on Effect NSW Cup match so far this season, at a total of 78 points. 

Key Moment

Manly’s sets after points were always really strong and put them in good positions on the park which allowed them to dominate the scoreboard. This good discipline saw them put on four tries in a ten minute period in the first half that simply proved to be too big a deficit for the Magpies to recover from. 

What’s Next?

Manly will be looking to make it four in a row against Penrith at Parker Street Reserve, and the Magpies are headed up to Newcastle in search of their second victory of the season.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters

Match Summary

Roosters prove too good for Rabbitohs 

Alex Hrissis

Sydney Roosters have claimed their third win of the season in Round Five of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup with a 24-10 victory over rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval on Sunday afternoon.

South Sydney opened up the scoring with a well worked try down the left edge when Carson Kaho found Declan Casey outside him and dived over with ease. The conversion was waved away. (4-0)

Roosters bounced back in the 20th minute courtesy of their halfback Jake Elliott who threw a tidy dummy to cut through the line and crash over for a try. His halves partner Josh Durkin converted the try to put the Roosters ahead. (6-4)

The away side scored back-to-back tries to extend their lead over South Sydney courtesy of a crash play from Lafi Tuinauvai. The front rower steamrolled past several Rabbitohs defenders to score his first try for the Roosters. (12-4)

Souths bounced back after the break with a scrappy try to get back in the contest. Lewis Dodd threw a cutout pass to his fullback Terrell Kalo Kalo who zipped past several Roosters players before dropping the ball. The ball was then scooped up by Daniel O’Donnell who sneaked himself a try. (12-10)

Roosters responded with another try to extend their lead through Tyreece Tait. Fullback Owen Flaherty found Tait out wide with space and the speedy winger dived into the corner to score. Durkin nailed the conversion to extend the Roosters lead out to eight points. (18-10)

The away side scored another two tries to further extend their lead over South Sydney courtesy of Ethan Roberts. The young forward scored from a crash play of his own to score his first try for the club. (24-10)

Roosters walked away from the Round Five clash with a 24-10 victory, securing back-to-bacl wins for the first time this season and subsequently extending the Rabbitohs losing streak to four games in a row.

Talking Points

• A late reshuffle from the Roosters moved Jake Elliott from hooker to the halves and was invaluable to the Roosters win. The young half kicked well to steer his team to victory and scored a try.
• The battle was won through the middle for the Roosters with Taylor Losalu dominating opposition players with strong carries and making big metres.
• Rabbitohs outside back Terrell Kalo Kalo had himself a solid game filling in at fullback providing some great runs and playmaking out the back.

Key Moment

South Sydney had all the momentum in the opening twenty minutes of the game as they dominated field position but it was Jake Elliott who stepped up to score himself a try and turnaround the lead. The Roosters went on to score another three tries to secure the two points.

What’s Next?

In Round Six of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup the Rabbitohs will travel to Gosford to face the North Sydney Bears while the Roosters will do battle with St George Illawarra Dragons.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights

Match Summary

Dogs edge Knights in a scrappy contest

George Al-Akiki

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have clinched their second win of the 2025 The Knock On Effect NSW Cup season in a tight 26-24 win over a valiant Newcastle Knights outfit.

The Bulldogs capitalised first off an early penalty as halfback Joseph O’Neill perfectly held up a short ball to send centre Cooper Toy over for his second try in as many NSW Cup games to open the scoring (6-0).

The Knights dominated early field possession and forced their way up the middle of the field through some offload-laden sets by a determined forward pack led by Tyrone Thompson, though to no avail.

But the Bulldogs continued to leave the door open with mounting disciplinary errors, and the Novocastrians found their way under the posts courtesy of a barnstorming Kyle McCarthy (6-6).

An untimely knock on by Paul Bryan on his own 30m line shortly after allowed Canterbury back in the game through 2024 Jersey Flegg premiership winning teammates Cassius Tia and Jonathan Sua. The former found the latter in the right hand corner with a looping pass to make it 12-6.

Newcastle’s mounting errors became more than costly. They dropped the ball three times just short of the try-line for certain tries, once over the try-line, and were penalised for a double movement. They finally cracked the Bulldogs right edge defence minutes before half-time to put them two points behind at the break (12-10).

The away team continued their momentum into the second half with a quick shift to a wide open right edge Canterbury defence to give Francis Manuleleua his first NSW Cup try and Newcastle’s first lead of the afternoon. (14-12).

The Dogs bounced straight back as a Tia bomb tapped back by Sua put Drew Hutchison over. The home side went back-to-back after a poor error from five-eighth Will Sutton saw Jethro Rinakama run the length of the field (22-14).

But Newcastle weren’t done after yet another penalty by Canterbury gave the away side prime field position, allowing Manuleleua to break the line and find his winger Taj Annan. A short side play finished off by Riley Jones caught Canterbury out to return their lead (24-22).

But it was late inclusion Blake Wilson who with four minutes to go stepped left then right to leave Jones behind him to score the match winning try for his team in a frantic 26-24 finish in favour of the home side.

Talking points

• Both Canterbury and Newcastle sit bottom of the standings in the NSW Cup when it comes to their completion rates (66% and 64% coming into the game) and this scrappy matchup was reflective of that. Both teams will look to tidy up their play.
• Canterbury’s disciplinary issues were also a cause for concern. Their conceded penalties continued to invite the Knights into the contest, which almost cost them in the end. They’ll need to rectify this to go deep into the season.
• Newcastle’s forward pack was a highlight that troubled Canterbury often. Manulelua in particular was strong with a try, try-assist, recurring tackle busts and a line-break.
• The boot of Jackson Hastings was sub-par completing only 1/3 conversions in a tight game. Liam Sutton assumed kicking duties at 50%, but wasn’t enough. This combined with Newcastle’s errors on the tryline in the first half cost them their second win of the season.

Key moment

A 40/20 by Cassius Tia with six minutes remaining gave his team prime field position and laid the foundation for Wilson’s match winning try. The centre was involved in everything for his team today.

What’s next?

The Bulldogs will take the two points into next week’s bye, while the Knights return home to Newcastle for a round one rematch against the Magpies, their last meeting being the red and blue’s only win for the season so far.