Newtown go try for try to claim Grand Final glory

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A new chapter in a rivalry dating back to 1908 has been written with Newtown claiming the 2024 Knock-On Effect NSW Cup title with a 28-22 victory over North Sydney.

Claiming a ninth reserve grade title to condemn the Bears to back-to-back defeats on NSWRL Grand Final day, the Jets went try for try with their foundation rivals before New Zealand and Samoan international Braden Hamlin-Uele scored to seal a famous victory.

The two foundation clubs, serving as feeder teams for Melbourne (North Sydney) and Cronulla (Newtown), finished the regular season in first and second and met a fortnight ago with the Bears prevailing in the Major Semi Final. 

In an error-riddled opening from both teams, the Jets steadied to force a repeat set and were rewarded with Tom Rodwell (17th minute) finishing off a left side shift to open the scoring.

Responding straight away after coming up with possession from the kick-off, the Bears levelled the scores at 6-all with Bronson Garlick (21st minute) supporting an offload from Matt Stimson close to the line.

Going close to scoring through Sam Stonestreet, only for the video referee to rule in favour of the Bears determined defence, the Jets continued to attack down the right and reaped rewards with Chris Vea'ila (27th minute) using footwork and power to crash over for his tenth try of the year.

In a sliding doors moment for the respective fullbacks, Liam Ison was denied for illegally promoting the ball in a double movement only for late inclusion Su'a Fa'alogo (34th minute) to slide over for an equalising score minutes later after a superb offload by fellow Melbourne NRL player Joe Chan.

A powerful run from Mawene Hiroti (39th minute) with seconds remaining put Newtown ahead 16-10 at the break, however the Bears waited little time in hitting back with a barnstorming run from Allan Fitzgibbon (44th minute) allowing Kieran Hayman to draw the scores level with a sideline conversion.

Having starred with an iconic play when the Jets last won the Grand Final back in 2019, Billy Magoulias stepped up with a well-placed pass that saw Jordan Leiu (53rd minute) use brute force to crash over next to the posts.

North Sydney refused to wilt with Harradyn Wilson (59th minute) scoring with a show-and-go close to the line, but his opposite number Niwhai Puru stood tall with an intercept that gave Newtown the ascendancy to create history with a determined run from Hamlin-Uele (65th minute).

The Bears were unable to capitalise on opportunities as the clock wound down and had their fate sealed with an error from a scrum. 

The victory was a deserved result for Newtown after finishing the regular season in second position, while North Sydney were left to lament the disappointment of their premiership drought extending to 31 years.

With both teams featuring nine players apiece boasting NRL experience, the class of Puru shone through with the Newtown halfback named Player of the Match.

Next week, Newtown will face Queensland Cup premiers Norths Devils in the State Championship played as the opening curtain raiser on NRL Grand Final day.

RELATED: See the full list of 2024 NSWRL Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Draw and Results.

North Sydney Bears 22 Newtown Jets 28
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Date: Sun, 29th September.   Kickoff: 3:00 PM.   Halftime: Newtown (R) 16-10.   Penalties: Norths (R) 6-2.   Referee: Kieren Irons.   Crowd: 10,386.

Norths (R): Fa'alogo, Fitzgibbon, Ogden, Ieremia, Katoa; Hayman, Wilson; De Luis (C), Garlick, Moeroa, Chan, Stimson, Lisati. Int: Roache, Hughes, Makatoa, Talty.
Newtown (R): Ison, Rodwell, Vea'ila, Hiroti, Stonestreet; Rajab, Puru; Hamlin-Uele, Berrell, Hau Tapuha, Pickering, Burns (C), Hosking. Int: Leiu, Magoulias, Healey, Fearnley.

North Sydney Bears (22)
Tries: Bronson Garlick, Harradyn Wilson, Sualauvi Fa'alogo, Allan Fitzgibbon
Goals: Kieran Hayman 3/4

Newtown Jets (28)
Tries: Braden Hamlin-Uele, Mawene Hiroti, Jordin Leiu, Chris Vea'ila, Tom Rodwell
Goals: Niwhai Puru 4/5