Sydney Airport Jets Show Impressive
Opening Trial Form

Newtown began the 2005 Premier League trials with an impressive hit-out against Western Suburbs at Henson Park on Saturday evening. Both teams fielded plenty of young hopefuls, but Newtown Head Coach Colin Murphy said there were plenty of positive features arising from his team?s display. He was particularly pleased with his squad?s advanced fitness levels and the obvious benefits from three solid months of gymnasium work. For the record, the Sydney Airport Jets outscored the Magpies five tries to one.

The Newtown Jim Beam Cup sevens squad showed great promise in the Jim Beam Cup sevens tournament played at a sweltering Windsor sports ground on Saturday afternoon. Newtown breezed past The Entrance and Belrose in the qualifying rounds, but bowed out in the semi-finals to the eventual tournament winners. New coach Greg Matterson reports he was satisfied with the team?s application and enthusiasm, especially in the hit and miss playing conditions peculiar to the sevens.

Four of last year?s Newtown Premier League squad made their NRL trial debuts with Cronulla-Sutherland against Parramatta in Lismore on Saturday night. James Stosic, Phillip Leuluai, Cliff Manua and David Hall all received complimentary report cards for their performances against the Eels, with Leuluai grabbing a try in the Sharks 24-18 win over Parramatta.

There?s more 2005 trials action at Henson Park next Saturday evening (February 12), when the Sydney Airport Jets line up against North Sydney in the first leg of the 2005 Frank Hyde Shield. The main game kicks off at 6.00pm, with the Newtown Jim Beam Cup trial squad taking on the Bears Jersey Flegg team in a 4.30pm curtain raiser.