Newtown Jets
Encyclopedia
The Newtown Jets are an Australian rugby league football club based in Newtown
, a suburb
of Sydney's inner west
. They currently compete in the NSWRL Premier League
competition, having left the top grade after the 1983 NSWRFL season. The Jets' home ground is Henson Park, and they have team colours of royal blue and white.
Established in 1908, Newtown were one of the founding members of the New South Wales Rugby Football League. They competed continuously in the NSWRFL premiership until their departure in 1983, the first reduction in the League since 1937. Over this period they won the competition three times.
Town Hall that had been convened by the prominent Sydney sportsman James J. Giltinan (after whom the NSW Rugby League Premiership shield is named), local MP Henry Hoyle
, and Harry Hammill (who was to be the fledgling club's first captain).
This made Newtown the second rugby league
football club in Australia and the oldest now in existence. The first club, Glebe, was formed on 9 January 1908. When the 'Dirty Reds' (Glebe) were controversially excluded from the NSWRL Premiership in 1929, Newtown became the oldest Australian club.
There is some argument however over whether or not Newtown was actually the first Rugby league club in Australia, formed on 8 January 1908 (one day earlier than Glebe). The club's website stands by this claim, however other sources, most notably Terry Williams' book "Out of the Blue (The History of Newtown RLFC)", refute this claim. Rugby league historian Sean Fagan
similarly holds that the date of 14 January 1908 is the correct foundation day.
Newtown played in the NSWRL competition from 1908-1983. They won the 1910 NSWRFL Premiership after drawing the final was enough to see them win due to being minor premiers. A Newtown winger, Jack Scott
, was the first to score a try in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership. Known as the "Newtown Bluebags" for most of its lifetime, the club adopted the Jets nickname in 1973, perhaps referring to Newtown's catchment area extending to Sydney Airport. Or perhaps due to the close proximity of the club's home ground, Henson Park, to the major east/west flight path for the airport. The club won premierships in 1910, 1933 and 1943, and finished second in 1913, 1914, 1929, 1944, 1954–55 and 1981. The 1981 team, which played in the club's final NSWRL premiership grand final, included the legends of game Tommy Raudonikis
and Phil Gould
. It was coached by Warren Ryan
.
took over as Newtown coach in 1973. Gibson picked his team solely on form, irrespective of seniority. The great Brian Moore
had been relegated to the reserves bench throughout the preliminary rounds of the tournament, and youngsters like Ian Satori, Dennis Gardiner, Peter Parry and Warren Snodgrass were all given a chance in the top grade. The Newtown side for the final was:
B. Cox, M. Cohen, D. Oliveri, J. Bonham, J. Bradstock, K. Wilson, D. O'Connor (c), N. Pringle, G. Sullivan, P. Parry, T. Melville, M. Robertson and D. Gardiner.
The St. George
line up was:
G. Langlands, G. Carr, E. Goodwin, R. Clapham, J. Clapham, A. Branson, M. Shulman, L. Drake, P. Fitzgerald, R. Reddy, I. Toga, C. Rasmussen, M. Welborn and H. Eden.
The match was played under floodlights at the old Sydney Sports Ground on St Patricks day before a crowd of 13,180. At half time St George were up 15-2 and looked certain to win. In the second half the Newtown forward pack gave the Saints a taste of their own medicine which helped gain tries for Melville and Robertson, both converted by Ken Wilson which reduced the St George lead to 15-12. Brian Moore, brought on at half time, scored the final try, converted by Ken Wilson which sealed victory for Newtown in the last minute, making the game one of the most exciting comeback wins in Rugby League history.
. The club continued to seek readmission, pursuing various different alternatives. One such alternative, proposed for the 1985 season (after a planned one-year sojourn from the League) involved a full relocation to Orana Park
, at Campbelltown in south/west Sydney.
This plan involved a name change for the club, to the Newtown-Campbelltown Jets. The proposal, including a new logo with the new name on the traditional royal blue jersey, was approved by the football club directors. In the end these plans fell through, as the economic recession of the early 1980s prevented the club from finding a suitable buyer of the Newtown Leagues Club, on Stanmore Road, Stanmore.
This left the "Jets" out of the premier Australian Rugby league competitions. Several years later the Jets were able to sell their clubhouse, now the Cypriot Club, but by then time had elapsed and readmission to the top flight League was not considered.
It is worth noting, however, that for a short time in their final season of 1983, the Jets called Campbelltown home. As a show of commitment to the Campbelltown area, with a new junior league structure ready to be implemented at the Jets' instigation, Newtown played most home games of the club's final season, at Orana Park in Campbelltown.
Ultimately, when the final deal between Newtown and the Campbelltown junior rugby league fell through in 1984 and it was confirmed by 1985 that Newtown would not be returning to top flight competition, the Ashfield/Lidcombe-based Western Suburbs Magpies
, suspended by the League at the same time as Newtown but having had the financial resources to earn a stay of execution, swiftly negotiated a deal whereby Wests would move all home games to Campbelltown and claim ownership of the vast junior league in south-western Sydney.
Existing junior clubs that were formerly part of the Newtown district include;
Some extinct Newtown junior clubs include;
Some notable Newtown juniors include;
.
, winning the title 4 times (1992, 1995, 1996 & 1997). The club no longer enters a team in the NSWRL Jim Beam Cup
due to it announcing in the off-season after the 2006 season of the NSWRL Jim Beam Cup
that it would now only concentrate on the Premier League
Side.
1990 1991 1992 coach was brian wacka wakefield
, the second-tier NSW competition to the NRL
. While a stand-alone club for many purposes, they have acted as a feeder for NRL teams such as Auckland
and, currently, Sydney Roosters
.
They are still very popular for a second division squad with the attendances at Henson Park being the highest in the NSWRL Premier League
. Their attendance is always announced as being 8972 - this is said in jest over the tannoy and is a tribute to their final premiership attendance in 1983. Henson Park is widely known as offering the spectator a more traditional Rugby League experience with unique aspects such as a sausage sizzle on the ground's hill, canned beer and drive-in viewing of the game.
In 2006, Newtown lost to the Parramatta Eels
20-19 in extra time in the Premier League Grand Final due to a field goal from Eels halfback Marcus Perenara
after three minutes of golden point
extra time. 2006 was also Newtown's most successful Season in the NSWRL Premier League
to date.
In 2007, Jets history was created when they did not wear the royal blue jersey during a match with the Auckland Lions
. Neither side had a clash jersey, and as the Jets were the visiting side they were forced to wear Sydney Roosters
away jerseys. For 100 years prior to that game, the Jets had never failed to wear their royal blue jerseys. The Club had a less fortunate season compared to 2006, failing to make the Finals or even make the Top 10.
In 2008, Newtown again made the Grand Final of the newly formed NSW Cup
. In an extraordinary game against the Wentworthville Magpies
, the Jets scored first and led 8-4 at half time. At full time scores were locked at 8-8, again forcing the game into extra time, an ironic repeat of the 2006 decider. Finally after 24 minutes of extra time and dozens of attempts at field goals from both teams, Captain Sean Rudder erred in kicking out on the full. This gave the Magpies good field position and allowed them to score the winning try in the corner. After the longest ever grand final match, Wentworthville
won 12-8.
, at Redfern Oval
. South Sydney won on the day 10-4.
starring and written by former rugby league footballer Matt Nable was released in cinemas across Australia.
Match records:
Season records:
Career records:
Coaching register:
Coach: Warren Ryan
Newtown, New South Wales
Newtown, a suburb of Sydney's inner west is located approximately four kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district, straddling the local government areas of the City of Sydney and Marrickville Council in the state of New South Wales, Australia....
, a suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Sydney's inner west
Inner West (Sydney)
The Inner West is a general term which is used to describe the metropolitan area directly to the west of the Sydney central business district, New South Wales, Australia...
. They currently compete in the NSWRL Premier League
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
competition, having left the top grade after the 1983 NSWRFL season. The Jets' home ground is Henson Park, and they have team colours of royal blue and white.
Established in 1908, Newtown were one of the founding members of the New South Wales Rugby Football League. They competed continuously in the NSWRFL premiership until their departure in 1983, the first reduction in the League since 1937. Over this period they won the competition three times.
History
The club was founded on 14 January 1908 at a public meeting held at NewtownNewtown, New South Wales
Newtown, a suburb of Sydney's inner west is located approximately four kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district, straddling the local government areas of the City of Sydney and Marrickville Council in the state of New South Wales, Australia....
Town Hall that had been convened by the prominent Sydney sportsman James J. Giltinan (after whom the NSW Rugby League Premiership shield is named), local MP Henry Hoyle
Henry Hoyle
Henry "Harry" Clement Hoyle was an Australian politician and rugby league football administrator of the 1890s and 1900s...
, and Harry Hammill (who was to be the fledgling club's first captain).
This made Newtown the second rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
football club in Australia and the oldest now in existence. The first club, Glebe, was formed on 9 January 1908. When the 'Dirty Reds' (Glebe) were controversially excluded from the NSWRL Premiership in 1929, Newtown became the oldest Australian club.
There is some argument however over whether or not Newtown was actually the first Rugby league club in Australia, formed on 8 January 1908 (one day earlier than Glebe). The club's website stands by this claim, however other sources, most notably Terry Williams' book "Out of the Blue (The History of Newtown RLFC)", refute this claim. Rugby league historian Sean Fagan
Sean Fagan
Sean Patrick Fagan is a Sydney, Australia based sports historian, author and journalist, specialising in early Australian history and particular the origins and local development of the popular football codes in Australia. He has written articles for Australian national daily newspapers, numerous...
similarly holds that the date of 14 January 1908 is the correct foundation day.
Newtown played in the NSWRL competition from 1908-1983. They won the 1910 NSWRFL Premiership after drawing the final was enough to see them win due to being minor premiers. A Newtown winger, Jack Scott
Jack Scott (rugby league)
Jack Scott was an Australian rugby league footballer. He played as a winger for the Newtown club and had the honour of being the first try scorer in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership....
, was the first to score a try in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership. Known as the "Newtown Bluebags" for most of its lifetime, the club adopted the Jets nickname in 1973, perhaps referring to Newtown's catchment area extending to Sydney Airport. Or perhaps due to the close proximity of the club's home ground, Henson Park, to the major east/west flight path for the airport. The club won premierships in 1910, 1933 and 1943, and finished second in 1913, 1914, 1929, 1944, 1954–55 and 1981. The 1981 team, which played in the club's final NSWRL premiership grand final, included the legends of game Tommy Raudonikis
Tommy Raudonikis
Tommy Raudonikis OAM is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played over twenty-nine Tests and World Cup games as Australia representative halfback and captained his country in two Tests of the 1973 Kangarooo tour.-Early life and club playing career:Raudonikis is the son of a...
and Phil Gould
Phil Gould
Phil Gould is an Australian rugby league broadcaster, journalist, administrator and former player and coach. Since the 1990s he has had a prominent role in Channel 9's coverage of rugby league, as a commentator on their match-day coverage, and appears on The Sunday Footy Show and The Sunday Roast...
. It was coached by Warren Ryan
Warren Ryan
Warren Ryan is former rugby league football coach and player from Sydney, Australia. He is considered as one of the most influential coaches in recent times. Ryan also played 1st Grade Rugby League for the St George Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks....
.
The 1973 Wills Cup Final win
Jack GibsonJack Gibson (rugby league)
Jack Arthur Gibson OAM was an Australian rugby league identity – a player, commentator and most notably a coach...
took over as Newtown coach in 1973. Gibson picked his team solely on form, irrespective of seniority. The great Brian Moore
Brian Moore (rugby league)
Brian "Chicka" Moore is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for the Newtown "Bluebags" from 1962 to 1973, later coaching the club for its final season, the 1983 Winfield Cup Premiership...
had been relegated to the reserves bench throughout the preliminary rounds of the tournament, and youngsters like Ian Satori, Dennis Gardiner, Peter Parry and Warren Snodgrass were all given a chance in the top grade. The Newtown side for the final was:
B. Cox, M. Cohen, D. Oliveri, J. Bonham, J. Bradstock, K. Wilson, D. O'Connor (c), N. Pringle, G. Sullivan, P. Parry, T. Melville, M. Robertson and D. Gardiner.
The St. George
St. George Dragons
The St George Dragons was an Australian Rugby league football club in St George, Sydney, New South Wales that played in Australia's top-level Rugby league competition from New South Wales Rugby Football League in 1921 until 1998; in 1999 they formed a joint venture with the Illawarra Steelers,...
line up was:
G. Langlands, G. Carr, E. Goodwin, R. Clapham, J. Clapham, A. Branson, M. Shulman, L. Drake, P. Fitzgerald, R. Reddy, I. Toga, C. Rasmussen, M. Welborn and H. Eden.
The match was played under floodlights at the old Sydney Sports Ground on St Patricks day before a crowd of 13,180. At half time St George were up 15-2 and looked certain to win. In the second half the Newtown forward pack gave the Saints a taste of their own medicine which helped gain tries for Melville and Robertson, both converted by Ken Wilson which reduced the St George lead to 15-12. Brian Moore, brought on at half time, scored the final try, converted by Ken Wilson which sealed victory for Newtown in the last minute, making the game one of the most exciting comeback wins in Rugby League history.
Ejection from the Premiership
Financial pressures forced the team out of the NSWRL Premiership at the end of 1983New South Wales Rugby Football League season 1983
The 1983 NSWRFL season was the seventy-sixth season of professional rugby league football in Australia. Fourteen teams competed for the J J Giltinan Shield and Winfield Cup during the season, which culminated in a replay of the previous year's grand final between the Parramatta and Manly-Warringah...
. The club continued to seek readmission, pursuing various different alternatives. One such alternative, proposed for the 1985 season (after a planned one-year sojourn from the League) involved a full relocation to Orana Park
Campbelltown Stadium
Campbelltown Stadium, formerly Orana Park and Campbelltown Sports Ground, is a rugby league stadium in Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia. It is the full time home ground for the Western Suburbs Magpies District Rugby League Football Club and is one of three home grounds for the Wests Tigers...
, at Campbelltown in south/west Sydney.
This plan involved a name change for the club, to the Newtown-Campbelltown Jets. The proposal, including a new logo with the new name on the traditional royal blue jersey, was approved by the football club directors. In the end these plans fell through, as the economic recession of the early 1980s prevented the club from finding a suitable buyer of the Newtown Leagues Club, on Stanmore Road, Stanmore.
This left the "Jets" out of the premier Australian Rugby league competitions. Several years later the Jets were able to sell their clubhouse, now the Cypriot Club, but by then time had elapsed and readmission to the top flight League was not considered.
It is worth noting, however, that for a short time in their final season of 1983, the Jets called Campbelltown home. As a show of commitment to the Campbelltown area, with a new junior league structure ready to be implemented at the Jets' instigation, Newtown played most home games of the club's final season, at Orana Park in Campbelltown.
Ultimately, when the final deal between Newtown and the Campbelltown junior rugby league fell through in 1984 and it was confirmed by 1985 that Newtown would not be returning to top flight competition, the Ashfield/Lidcombe-based Western Suburbs Magpies
Western Suburbs Magpies
The Western Suburbs Magpies are an Australian rugby league football club based in the western suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales. Formed in 1908, Wests, as they are commonly referred to, were one of the nine foundation clubs of the first New South Wales Rugby League competition in Australia...
, suspended by the League at the same time as Newtown but having had the financial resources to earn a stay of execution, swiftly negotiated a deal whereby Wests would move all home games to Campbelltown and claim ownership of the vast junior league in south-western Sydney.
2010 Squad
Newtown District Junior Rugby League
The Newtown District Junior Rugby League (NDJRL) competition ended after the ejection of the club from the NSWRL premiership in 1983. The NDJRL was absorbed mainly into the South Sydney District Junior Rugby League and also a small part into the St George and Canterbury-Bankstown districts.Existing junior clubs that were formerly part of the Newtown district include;
- Camperdown Dragons (now in South Sydney)
- Marrickville RSL (now in South Sydney)
- Earlwood Saints (now in St George)
- Christian Brothers Lewisham (now only compete in school competitions)
Some extinct Newtown junior clubs include;
- St Peters
- Newtown Hawks
- Tempe Iona Warriors
- Addison Royals (Addison Road Sports Club)
- Henson Park Colts
- De La Salle Petersham
- Koorie United
- Petersham RSL
- Newtown Waratahs
- Enmore CYO
- St Anthony's
- Erskineville United
- St Thomas's
- Newtown Police Boys' Club (folded to become Newtown Hawks)
- St Brigid's De La Salle (Marrickville)
- Hurlstone Park
- Enmore United
Some notable Newtown juniors include;
- Johnny RaperJohnny RaperJohn Raper, MBE is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He was a lock forward for the Australia national team. He had a record 33 test caps between 1959 and 1968 and played in 6 World Cup games between 1960 to 1968...
(Camperdown Dragons) - Ron & Phil SigsworthPhil SigsworthPhil Sigsworth is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He played primarily in the fullback position.-Playing career:...
(Newtown Hawks) - Mark & Geoff BugdenGeoff BugdenGeoff Bugden is a former professional rugby league player. Bugden played for the Newtown Jets and the Parramatta Eels in the Australian New South Wales Rugby League competition...
(Marrickville) - Paul OsbornePaul OsbornePaul Osborne is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer, administrator and politician. He played first-grade rugby league for the St George Dragons and Canberra Raiders before serving as a member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly from 1995 until 2001...
(Christian Bros Lewisham) - Col Murphy (Newtown Hawks)
- Frank "Bumper" FarrellFrank Farrell (rugby league)Francis Michael "Bumper" Farrell was an Australian premiership winning and national representative rugby league footballer. A prop forward, his long club career was with the Newtown Bluebags from 1938 to 1951 with four Test appearances for the Australian national side between 1946 and 1948...
(Marrickville). - Frank HydeFrank HydeFrank Hyde, MBE, OAM, was an Australian rugby league footballer, coach and radio caller. A New South Wales representative three-quarter, Hyde played his club football in Sydney for NSWRFL Premiership clubs Newtown, Balmain and North Sydney...
- Brian "Poppa" ClayBrian ClayBrian Joseph 'Poppa' Clay was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1950s and 60s. He was a five-eighth with the St. George Dragons during their 11-year consecutive premiership winning run from 1956 to 1966...
(St Peters)
Jets Sports Club
Following the sale of the Leagues club on Stanmore Road in 1989. Newtown Jets entered into a commercial partnership with the Cooks River Bowling Club. It is now known as Jets Sports ClubJets sports club
- Jets Sports Club:The Jets Sports Club, is the Leagues Club for the Newtown Jets Rugby League Club. The Club is at Holbeach Ave, Tempe, NSW.- History:...
.
Metropolitan Cup
The club re-emerged in 1990 to play in the third-tier NSW competition, the Metropolitan CupNSWRL Jim Beam Cup
The Bundaberg Red Cup is a semi-professional development level rugby league competition in New South Wales , Australia, run jointly by the New South Wales Rugby League and the Country Rugby League of New South Wales . The competition is run concurrently with the National Rugby League...
, winning the title 4 times (1992, 1995, 1996 & 1997). The club no longer enters a team in the NSWRL Jim Beam Cup
NSWRL Jim Beam Cup
The Bundaberg Red Cup is a semi-professional development level rugby league competition in New South Wales , Australia, run jointly by the New South Wales Rugby League and the Country Rugby League of New South Wales . The competition is run concurrently with the National Rugby League...
due to it announcing in the off-season after the 2006 season of the NSWRL Jim Beam Cup
NSWRL Jim Beam Cup
The Bundaberg Red Cup is a semi-professional development level rugby league competition in New South Wales , Australia, run jointly by the New South Wales Rugby League and the Country Rugby League of New South Wales . The competition is run concurrently with the National Rugby League...
that it would now only concentrate on the Premier League
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
Side.
1990 1991 1992 coach was brian wacka wakefield
NSWRL NSW Cup
In 2000, Newtown entered a team in the NSWRL Premier LeagueNSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
, the second-tier NSW competition to the NRL
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
. While a stand-alone club for many purposes, they have acted as a feeder for NRL teams such as Auckland
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia...
and, currently, Sydney Roosters
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League...
.
They are still very popular for a second division squad with the attendances at Henson Park being the highest in the NSWRL Premier League
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
. Their attendance is always announced as being 8972 - this is said in jest over the tannoy and is a tribute to their final premiership attendance in 1983. Henson Park is widely known as offering the spectator a more traditional Rugby League experience with unique aspects such as a sausage sizzle on the ground's hill, canned beer and drive-in viewing of the game.
In 2006, Newtown lost to the Parramatta Eels
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The Parramatta District Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1947, with their First Grade side playing their first season in the New South Wales Rugby Football League...
20-19 in extra time in the Premier League Grand Final due to a field goal from Eels halfback Marcus Perenara
Marcus Perenara
Marcus Perenara is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally for the Parramatta Eels.He is the brother of Henry Perenara.-Playing career:...
after three minutes of golden point
Golden point
The golden point, a sudden death overtime system, is used to resolve drawn rugby league football matches. The term is borrowed from soccer's now defunct golden goal.-Australasia:...
extra time. 2006 was also Newtown's most successful Season in the NSWRL Premier League
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
to date.
In 2007, Jets history was created when they did not wear the royal blue jersey during a match with the Auckland Lions
Auckland Lions
The Auckland Lions were a rugby league club that had teams in both the New Zealand Bartercard Cup and the NSWRL Premier League. They were mostly based around the Mt Albert Lions Rugby League club...
. Neither side had a clash jersey, and as the Jets were the visiting side they were forced to wear Sydney Roosters
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League...
away jerseys. For 100 years prior to that game, the Jets had never failed to wear their royal blue jerseys. The Club had a less fortunate season compared to 2006, failing to make the Finals or even make the Top 10.
In 2008, Newtown again made the Grand Final of the newly formed NSW Cup
NSWRL Premier League
The New South Wales Cup is a rugby league competition for clubs in New South Wales previously known as the NSWRL Premier League. It has a history dating back to the NSWRFL's origins in 1908, starting off as a reserve grade competition. It is now the premier open age competition in the state...
. In an extraordinary game against the Wentworthville Magpies
Wentworthville Magpies
The Wentworthville Magpies, colloquially known as Wenty, are a Rugby league team based in the suburb of Wentworthville in Sydney's Western Suburbs. Founded in 1963, the club has competed in various Sydney district competitions and, since 2003, the semi-professional NSWRL Jim Beam Cup competition...
, the Jets scored first and led 8-4 at half time. At full time scores were locked at 8-8, again forcing the game into extra time, an ironic repeat of the 2006 decider. Finally after 24 minutes of extra time and dozens of attempts at field goals from both teams, Captain Sean Rudder erred in kicking out on the full. This gave the Magpies good field position and allowed them to score the winning try in the corner. After the longest ever grand final match, Wentworthville
Wentworthville Magpies
The Wentworthville Magpies, colloquially known as Wenty, are a Rugby league team based in the suburb of Wentworthville in Sydney's Western Suburbs. Founded in 1963, the club has competed in various Sydney district competitions and, since 2003, the semi-professional NSWRL Jim Beam Cup competition...
won 12-8.
Return To Redfern
On the 5th of February 2011, The Jets played a trial game against long term rivals, the South Sydney RabbitohsSouth Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in Redfern, a suburb of South-central Sydney, New South Wales. They participate in the National Rugby League premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital...
, at Redfern Oval
Redfern Oval
Redfern Oval is a football ground located in Sydney suburb of Redfern, New South Wales. The South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League Football Club played at Redfern Oval between 1948 and 1987...
. South Sydney won on the day 10-4.
Film
On 20 August 2007, a film depicting the club, The Final WinterThe Final Winter
The Final Winter is an Australian drama film released in 2007. It was directed by Brian Andrews and Jane Forrest and produced by Anthony Coffee, and Michelle Russell, while independently produced it is being distributed by Paramount Pictures. It was written by Matthew Nable who also starred as the...
starring and written by former rugby league footballer Matt Nable was released in cinemas across Australia.
Team
- Premierships (3): 1910, 1933, 1943.
- Runners-up (7): 1913, 1914, 1929, 1944, 1954 1955, 1981.
- President's Cup (5): 1919, 1921, 1928, 1944, 1950.
- Club Championship: 1973.
- Preseason Competition: 1973.
- City Cup: 1937, 1942.
- State Championship: 1941, 1945.
- Biggest wins:
- 51-0 v Illawarra at Henson Park, 2 May 1982
- 55-7 v St George at SCG, 26 Aug 1944
- 48-3 v University at Henson Park, 12 May 1937
- 52-7 v St George at SCG, 3 Jun 1944
- 50-6 v Manly at SCG, 13 Jun 1955.
- Biggest defeats:
- 65-9 v St George at Kogarah Oval, 30 Jul 1961
- 57-6 v Manly at Henson Park, 16 May 1976
- 54-4 v Parramatta at Belmore Oval, 5 Jun 1983
- 50-2 v Manly at Brookvale Oval, 14 Aug 1977
- 54-10 v St George at Kogarah Oval, 24 Jul 1960
- 44-0 v Cronulla at Endeavour Field, 23 Jul 1978
- 62-18 v Parramatta at Henson Park, 20 Aug 1978.
Individual
- Rothmans MedalRothmans MedalThe Rothmans Medal was the premier individual award in both the New South Wales Rugby League and Brisbane Rugby League competitions, and later in the Australian Rugby League, which was given to the player voted by referees as the best and fairest in those competitions for that year.The award was...
winners: Geoff BugdenGeoff BugdenGeoff Bugden is a former professional rugby league player. Bugden played for the Newtown Jets and the Parramatta Eels in the Australian New South Wales Rugby League competition...
(1980). - NSW Player of the Year: Len SmithLen SmithLen Smith was an Australian representative rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1930s and 40s. He captained the Kangaroos in two Tests 1948 and was controversially omitted from the 1948-49 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain....
(1948). - Coach of the Year: Jack GibsonJack Gibson (rugby league)Jack Arthur Gibson OAM was an Australian rugby league identity – a player, commentator and most notably a coach...
(1973), Warren RyanWarren RyanWarren Ryan is former rugby league football coach and player from Sydney, Australia. He is considered as one of the most influential coaches in recent times. Ryan also played 1st Grade Rugby League for the St George Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks....
(1981). - Test Captains, Australia: Albert Johnston (1919–20), Len SmithLen SmithLen Smith was an Australian representative rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1930s and 40s. He captained the Kangaroos in two Tests 1948 and was controversially omitted from the 1948-49 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain....
(1948), Keith FroomeKeith FroomeGeorge Keith Froome was an Australian rugby league player. He was a halfback for the Australian national team. He played in 8 Tests between 1948 and 1949 as captain on 2 occasions.-Early life and wartime:...
(1949). - World Cup Captains, Australia: Dick PooleDick PooleHerbert Richard Poole is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He was a centre for the Australian national team...
(1957). - Internationals, Australia (34): Jack Barnett, Tony Brown, Frank CheadleFrank CheadleFrank Cheadle was a pioneer Australian rugby league player and soldier who fell in World War I. A national representative centre, he was reputedly the first Sydney rugby union player to sign with the new breakaway league in its earliest formative days in late 1907.-Early life:Born in Wollongong,...
, Gordon Clifford, Tedda CourtneyTedda CourtneyEd "Tedda" Courtney was a pioneer Australian rugby league footballer and Coach. He played club football for the North Sydney Bears, Western Suburbs Magpies and representative football for the New South Wales state and Australian national sides...
, Bill Fransworth, Viv Fransworth, Frank FarrellFrank Farrell (rugby league)Francis Michael "Bumper" Farrell was an Australian premiership winning and national representative rugby league footballer. A prop forward, his long club career was with the Newtown Bluebags from 1938 to 1951 with four Test appearances for the Australian national side between 1946 and 1948...
, Arthur Folwell, Keith FroomeKeith FroomeGeorge Keith Froome was an Australian rugby league player. He was a halfback for the Australian national team. He played in 8 Tests between 1948 and 1949 as captain on 2 occasions.-Early life and wartime:...
, Col GeelanCol GeelanCol Geelan was an Australian rugby league footballer and Coach. He played club football in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for the Newtown Jets and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and he also represented New South Wales and Australia...
, Henry Holloway, Jack Holmes, Frank JohnsonFrank Johnson (rugby league)Frank Johnson OAM , is an Australian former rugby league footballer, coach and administrator who devoted much of his life to the development of the game in Australia.-Playing career:...
, Albert Johnston, Paddy McCue, Brian MooreBrian Moore (rugby league)Brian "Chicka" Moore is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for the Newtown "Bluebags" from 1962 to 1973, later coaching the club for its final season, the 1983 Winfield Cup Premiership...
, Noel MulliganNoel MulliganNoel Mulligan was an Australian professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. An Australian international and New South Wales interstate representative forward, he played club football in Sydney's NSWRFL premiership for Newtown and St...
, Joe Murray, Herb NarvoHerb NarvoHerbert Narvo was an Australian rugby league footballer and boxer of the 1930s and 40s. He was a national representative rugby league player and national heavyweight boxing champion...
, William NeillWilliam Neill (rugby league)William "Webby" Neill was a pioneer Australian rugby league footballer of the early 20th century who later became a leading referee in the NSWRFL....
, Bill NobleBill NobleBill Noble was an Australian international representative rugby league footballer. He played club football in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership's very first season with Newtown. That year he was also selected to play for Australia, making his full international debut against New...
, Dick PooleDick PooleHerbert Richard Poole is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He was a centre for the Australian national team...
, Paul Quinn, Tom Raudonikis, Charlie RussellCharles Russell (rugby)Charles "Boxer" Joseph Russell was a pioneer Australian rugby union and rugby league footballer and coach. He represented his country in both sports and was one Australia's early dual-code rugby internationals...
, Felix Ryan, Phil SigsworthPhil SigsworthPhil Sigsworth is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He played primarily in the fullback position.-Playing career:...
, Len SmithLen SmithLen Smith was an Australian representative rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1930s and 40s. He captained the Kangaroos in two Tests 1948 and was controversially omitted from the 1948-49 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain....
, Gary SullivanGary Sullivan (rugby league)Gary Sullivan is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s. He played club football for Kurri and Newtown, and was selected for the 1970 and 1972 World Cups....
, Dick Townsend, Jack TroyJack TroyJack Troy , was an Australian rugby league footballer in the New South Wales Rugby League - Australia's major rugby league competition...
, Lionel WilliamsonLionel WilliamsonLionel Williamson is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1960s and 70s. A talented winger, he played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership with the Newtown club and also represented Queensland and Australia.North Queenslander Williamson played a season with...
, Graham WilsonGraham WilsonGraham Wilson was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1960s. He played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for Newtown club and later Cronulla-Sutherland, also achieving state and international representative honours...
.
Match records:
- Most tries: 6 - Jack TroyJack TroyJack Troy , was an Australian rugby league footballer in the New South Wales Rugby League - Australia's major rugby league competition...
v Easts, 8 Jul 1950. - Most goals: 11 - Tom KirkTom KirkTom Kirk was a rugby league footballer in Australia's New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership of the 1930s and 40s. A fullback and goal-kicker, he played for the Canterbury-Bankstown, Newtown and North Sydney clubs and also played representative football for New South Wales...
- v St George, 3 Jun 1944
- v St George, 26 Aug 1944.
- Most points: 25 - Tom KirkTom KirkTom Kirk was a rugby league footballer in Australia's New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership of the 1930s and 40s. A fullback and goal-kicker, he played for the Canterbury-Bankstown, Newtown and North Sydney clubs and also played representative football for New South Wales...
(1T, 11G) v St George, 26 Aug 1944.
Season records:
- Most tries: 34-Ray Preston, 1954.
- Most points: 197-Ken Wilson (5T,90G,2FG), 1980.
Career records:
- Most tries: 109 - Ray Preston.
- Most points: 1,001 - Ken Wilson (25T, 447G, 28FG).
- Most appearances: 204 - Frank FarrellFrank Farrell (rugby league)Francis Michael "Bumper" Farrell was an Australian premiership winning and national representative rugby league footballer. A prop forward, his long club career was with the Newtown Bluebags from 1938 to 1951 with four Test appearances for the Australian national side between 1946 and 1948...
.
Coaching register:
- Arthur HallowayArthur HallowayArthur 'Pony' Halloway , was a pioneering Australian rugby league footballer and coach. Born in Sydney, New South Wales he played for the Glebe Dirty Reds , Balmain Tigers and Eastern Suburbs , in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership.He was a Half-back for the Australian national...
(1923) - Albert 'Ricketty' Johnston (1923), (1924–25)
- Bill FarnsworthBill FarnsworthBill Farnsworth was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1910s. In NSWRFL season 1910, he won the premiership with Newtown and was also selected to represent Australia and New South Wales, he also represented Australasia....
(1924) - Charles 'Boxer' RussellCharles Russell (rugby)Charles "Boxer" Joseph Russell was a pioneer Australian rugby union and rugby league footballer and coach. He represented his country in both sports and was one Australia's early dual-code rugby internationals...
* (1933), (1934–39) - Frank BurgeFrank BurgeFrank 'Chunky' Burge was one of the greatest forwards in the history of rugby league in Australia. Later he was one of the game's finest coaches....
(1940) - Percy Williams (1941)
- Arthur Folwell* (1942–44)
- Frank FarrellFrank Farrell (rugby league)Francis Michael "Bumper" Farrell was an Australian premiership winning and national representative rugby league footballer. A prop forward, his long club career was with the Newtown Bluebags from 1938 to 1951 with four Test appearances for the Australian national side between 1946 and 1948...
(1946–51) - Frank Johnston (1952–53),
- Col GeelanCol GeelanCol Geelan was an Australian rugby league footballer and Coach. He played club football in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for the Newtown Jets and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and he also represented New South Wales and Australia...
(1954) - Dick PooleDick PooleHerbert Richard Poole is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He was a centre for the Australian national team...
(1955–58), (1966–68) - Charles 'Chicka' CahillCharles Cahill (rugby league)Charles "Chicka" Cahill was an Australian rugby league footballer. He played in the forwards for the Newtown "Bluebags" club in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership from 1941 to 1947....
(1959–61) - Allan Ellis (1962–65)
- Harry BathHarry BathHarry Bath , was an Australian rugby league footballer and coach who rose to prominence in the mid-Twentieth Century...
(1969–71) - Jack GibsonJack Gibson (rugby league)Jack Arthur Gibson OAM was an Australian rugby league identity – a player, commentator and most notably a coach...
(1973) - Clarrie Jeffreys (1974–76)
- Paul BroughtonPaul BroughtonPaul Broughton is an Australian rugby league football identity. A former player, coach and club chief executive, he is chairman of the Gold Coast Titans of the NRL. He also serves on the board of the North Queensland Cowboys....
(1977–78) - Johnny RaperJohnny RaperJohn Raper, MBE is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He was a lock forward for the Australia national team. He had a record 33 test caps between 1959 and 1968 and played in 6 World Cup games between 1960 to 1968...
(1978) - Warren RyanWarren RyanWarren Ryan is former rugby league football coach and player from Sydney, Australia. He is considered as one of the most influential coaches in recent times. Ryan also played 1st Grade Rugby League for the St George Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks....
(1979–82) - Brian MooreBrian Moore (rugby league)Brian "Chicka" Moore is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for the Newtown "Bluebags" from 1962 to 1973, later coaching the club for its final season, the 1983 Winfield Cup Premiership...
(1983)
Team of the century
In 2008, the centenary year of rugby league in Australia, the Newtown Jets club named an 18-man team of the century:- Gordon Clifford
- Phil SigsworthPhil SigsworthPhil Sigsworth is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He played primarily in the fullback position.-Playing career:...
- Lionel WilliamsonLionel WilliamsonLionel Williamson is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1960s and 70s. A talented winger, he played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership with the Newtown club and also represented Queensland and Australia.North Queenslander Williamson played a season with...
- Charles RussellCharles Russell (rugby)Charles "Boxer" Joseph Russell was a pioneer Australian rugby union and rugby league footballer and coach. He represented his country in both sports and was one Australia's early dual-code rugby internationals...
- Dick PooleDick PooleHerbert Richard Poole is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He was a centre for the Australian national team...
- Len SmithLen SmithLen Smith was an Australian representative rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1930s and 40s. He captained the Kangaroos in two Tests 1948 and was controversially omitted from the 1948-49 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain....
- Brian MooreBrian Moore (rugby league)Brian "Chicka" Moore is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for the Newtown "Bluebags" from 1962 to 1973, later coaching the club for its final season, the 1983 Winfield Cup Premiership...
- Bill FarnsworthBill FarnsworthBill Farnsworth was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1910s. In NSWRFL season 1910, he won the premiership with Newtown and was also selected to represent Australia and New South Wales, he also represented Australasia....
- Tony Brown
- Keith FroomeKeith FroomeGeorge Keith Froome was an Australian rugby league player. He was a halfback for the Australian national team. He played in 8 Tests between 1948 and 1949 as captain on 2 occasions.-Early life and wartime:...
- Frank FarrellFrank Farrell (rugby league)Francis Michael "Bumper" Farrell was an Australian premiership winning and national representative rugby league footballer. A prop forward, his long club career was with the Newtown Bluebags from 1938 to 1951 with four Test appearances for the Australian national side between 1946 and 1948...
(c) - Paddy McCue
- Paul Quinn
- Arthur Folwell
- Herb NarvoHerb NarvoHerbert Narvo was an Australian rugby league footballer and boxer of the 1930s and 40s. He was a national representative rugby league player and national heavyweight boxing champion...
- Graham WilsonGraham WilsonGraham Wilson was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1960s. He played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership for Newtown club and later Cronulla-Sutherland, also achieving state and international representative honours...
- Felix Ryan & Noel MulliganNoel MulliganNoel Mulligan was an Australian professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. An Australian international and New South Wales interstate representative forward, he played club football in Sydney's NSWRFL premiership for Newtown and St...
Coach: Warren Ryan
Warren Ryan
Warren Ryan is former rugby league football coach and player from Sydney, Australia. He is considered as one of the most influential coaches in recent times. Ryan also played 1st Grade Rugby League for the St George Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks....