Senior Pathways Wrap Round 4: Flegg Sides Claim Close Wins

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs  were downed 28-18 after a second-half comeback from the Newtown Jets in a thrilling contest at Henson Park.

Canterbury dominated and came out firing, striking within two minutes as Luke Smith split the defence and backed himself to score. Blake Taaffe added the extras for a 6-nil lead.

Moments later, luck was on the Bulldogs’ side when Drew Hutchison’s boot found a perfect bounce for a 40/20, putting them in a prime attacking position.

Sensing a defensive mismatch, the Bulldogs exploited the Jets' left edge, allowing Cooper Toy to dive over untouched. Taaffe’s conversion made it 12-0.

Newtown’s first attacking opportunity came after a desperate scramble defence, but back-to-back penalties saw them back on their own line. The Bulldogs nearly extended their lead but lost control of the ball over the try line. Another penalty and a break from Smith put the visitors in attacking range, forcing a goal-line dropout. Winger Jethro Rinakama soon capitalised, crossing on the left edge for an 18-0 advantage following Taaffe’s third conversion.

Canterbury’s discipline crumbled as Hutchison was sent to the sin bin for repeated offside penalties. The extra-man advantage and loss of captaincy paid off when Riley Pollard’s pinpoint kick found Kristian Dixon in the right corner on the half-time buzzer. Niwhai Puru’s conversion reduced the deficit to 18-6.

The Jets carried that momentum into the second half. An early break put them on the front foot, and sustained pressure forced a Bulldogs handling error. On the very last play before Hutchison returned, Michael Gabrael crashed over on the left edge. Another successful conversion from Puru closed the gap to 18-12.

With their Captain back, the Bulldogs steadied but Newtown controlled the arm-wrestle, camping inside Canterbury’s 40-metre zone with repeated attacking sets. Niwhai Puru orchestrated the equaliser, threading Bradley Fearnley through a gap to score under the posts. Puru converted, leveling the game at 18-18 with 30 minutes remaining.

The Jets wasted no time taking the lead, capitalising on a Bulldogs knock-on for back-to-back tries. Hohepa Puru powered over, set up by his brother Niwhai giving Newtown their first lead of the match. The simple conversion pushed them ahead 24-18.

With fresh legs off the bench, the Jets found their rhythm. Gabrael completed his double soon after, extending the lead to 28-18.

With six minutes left, the Bulldogs desperately searched for six points. A penalty gave them a late attacking chance, but they struggled to find space. As tensions rose, a last-minute line break nearly sparked a Bulldogs miracle, but Newtown’s defence held firm to complete an incredible comeback victory at home.

Talking Points

• The Jets now sit at the top of the ladder after securing their fourth consecutive win, with their sights set on a back-to-back premiership as they continue to build momentum.
• Michael Gabrael’s crucial double, including a try that helped spark the comeback was instrumental in the Jets’ second-half turnaround and ultimate victory.

Key Moment

The key moment came when the Bulldogs were down to twelve men. This gave the Jets a crucial one-man advantage, which they capitalised on immediately. With the momentum shifting, Newtown’s attack found their rhythm and just before half-time, Kristian Dixon crossed the line in the right corner off a perfect kick from Riley Pollard, who also had a stand-out game.

What's Next?

The Bulldogs will face the Knights at Accor Stadium in a crucial middle-of-the-ladder battle. Both teams will be aiming to gain ground and improve their standings as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, the Jets will head to Canberra to take on the Raiders in their next match, with their recent win putting them at the top of the ladder.

Jersey Flegg Cup: Bulldogs 18 def Sharks 16, Silktails 24 def Knights 22

It was a successful weekend in the Jersey Flegg Cup, with the Bulldogs claiming a close 18-16 win over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Sharks Stadium, while the Kaiviti Silktails celebrated back-to-back victories with a 24-22 win over the Newcastle Knights. 

The Bulldogs bounced back from back-to-back defeats, with a try in the dying stages putting the side ahead and ultimately sealing the win. 

Both sides started strongly with plenty of intent as the scoreboard read 12-all at the break, with a double to hulking winger Jope Rauqe putting the Bulldogs on board. 

The Sharks hit back to take a four-point lead, and after an arm wrestle ensued in the second half, hooker Patrick Young was the hero after his try, coupled with Bronson Reuben's conversion, sealed the victory with five minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, the Kaiviti Silktails continue to go from strength to strength with back-to-back victories after claiming their first Jersey Flegg win last week.

Playing out of Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, the Silktails started fast with two tries in the opening fourteen minutes courtesy of Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei and Adrea Ramabuke.

Newcastle hit back with two tries of their own for a 12-10 half-time score, and took the lead briefly after 42 minutes; however, two tries in eight minutes thanks to Sevanaia Tovutos and Bale Vetaukula gave the Silktails a handy eight-point lead. 

Much like last week, a late try from the visitors set up a tense final ten minutes, but the Silktails were able to hold on for a second consecutive victory, 24-22. 

The Bulldogs will host the New Zealand Warriors in Churchill Park in Lautoko, while the Bulldogs host Newcastle at Hammondville Oval.