Match report from Henson Park

The Sydney Airport Jets take on the might of the Melbourne Storm next Saturday (March 6) at Henson Park, with the action getting underway at 5pm. This will be Newtown's first encounter with a full-strength First Grade opposition team since the Jets' final season in the former NSWRL Premiership competition back in 1983. Newtown coach Colin Murphy, who played with the Jets from 1975-1983, admits this Saturday's game will be a big ask for his Premier League players, but says "it will be the pinnacle of my blokes' Rugby League careers and the time of their lives. I hope thousands of Newtown supporters flock back to Henson Park next Saturday to cheer us on. This will be a really emotional occasion, and a huge moment in the history of this famous old club". In trial match action at Henson Park over the weekend, the Sydney Airport Jets Premier League team snatched victory in the final minute of play over quality Newcastle club side Western Suburbs by 32-28. The Jets had trailed 24-12 at half-time, and had to dig deep to scramble home in the game's dying seconds. Best for Newtown was newly-arrived French representative player and second rower Mathieu Julia, on loan from the Pia club and recommended to the Jets by half-back ace Craig Field. Others to fire on the day were Ben Tickle, Alf Duncan (two tries), James Stozic, Andrew Le Breton and Cliff Manu. Newtown's Jim Beam Cup triallists turned on a very indifferent performance in the early match in going down to Asquith by 38-20. All roads lead to historic Henson Park next Saturday (March 6), when the Sydney Airport Jets host 2003 NRL semi-finalists the Melbourne Storm in a competition-match conditions Rugby League trial, with the kick-off timed for 5pm.