NSWRL Junior Reps Round 7: Latest results, scorers from round seven weekend action
We’re now in the shadows of the NSWRL Junior Reps finals with round seven now complete. Catch up on the latest results from the Fiaola, Gale, Matts and SG Ball competitions.
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On the doorstep of the finals, teams are starting to hit top gear in the NSWRL Junior Reps competition.
Catch up with all the latest from around the grounds after round seven of the Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale, Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup competitions.
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Lisa Fiaola - Tarsha Gale - Harold Matthews - SG Ball
LISA FIAOLA CUP
It was one-way traffic for Illawarra at Jubilee Stadium as the Steelers heaped on six tries in each half to down St George 60-0.
After winger Halle Muik opened the scoring in the third minute, centre Michala Hardy rounded out a golden six-minute period, racing in a hat-trick of tries as Illawarra skipped clear 20-0 in the 11th minute.
With points differential likely to decide the makeup of the top six, the Steelers kept the foot on the peddle, almost doubling their 32-point first half on an afternoon where Bridget Shearer finished with a double.
“We certainly needed today’s scoreline, especially to boost our for-and-against given how close it is for spots in the top six,” said Steelers coach Brad Reh, whose side now sits in outright second place behind Canterbury.
Among a host of star performers, Reh highlighted two of his best from a strong squad that has high hopes of advancing through to April’s decider.
“Mikayla was really good out there and lock Jayda Lalic was exceptional again,” said Reh.
“She’s been really good. We had her on an edge, but we moved her into the middle and she’s been really tough.
“Even though the finals are just around the corner, we’re still to determine our best 17. We’ve got a group of 25 and everyone's on their toes pushing each other along to make the side.”
FAKALELU SCORES FOUR
It’s not often a prop bags four tries, but that’s exactly what Felila Fakalelu did for Cronulla as the Sharks downed Penrith 30-14.
The dashing No.10 had a day to remember at St Marys, posting a double either side of halftime as Cronulla dominated in a six tries to three performance to keep their slender finals hope alive.
Following her double in round five against Souths, the unstoppable powerhouse has now crossed for six four-pointers in her last two outings.
KNIGHTS STRIKE LATE
A late penalty goal to Newcastle’s Maronay Smuts proved the difference as the Knights struck late to sink the Sydney Roosters 20-18.
Needing a win to remain within striking distance of the top six, Newcastle overcame an early try to Anastasia Leatupue to open up a 14-10 halftime lead.
When winger Stevie Botham completed her double with 15 still to play, Newcastle led 18-14. But the lead was short lived as Roosters centre Faith Drollet scored her second to level the scores in the 52nd minute.
In the end, Smuts’ boot proved the difference as the five-eighth calmly slotted the winning penalty kick with just four minutes remaining.
CENTRAL COAST BOILOVER
The Central Coast Roosters have come from behind to upset Parramatta 22-14 at Eric Tweedale Stadium.
Parramatta entered the clash in second place and when Sienna Bonello and Khyliah Gray scored inside the opening 10 minutes, the Eels remained on track to post a fifth straight win.
Roosters pair Tory Nelson-Staunton and Mia Vaotuua then found the line to reduce the deficit to 10-8. And they hit the front straight after the interval through Breanna Bigeni and another to winger Nelson-Staunton.
Bonello’s second try kept Parra in the contest, but it was short lived, as Central Coast prop Ellie Brander crossed to put the result beyond doubt to round out an impressive fourth win.
BEARS BREAK DUCK
North Sydney have opened their season account after overcoming a halftime deficit to edge out Manly 14-12 at HE Laybutt Field.
Coming of last week’s 94-0 drubbing to Canterbury, backrower Georgie Lawton had Sea Eagles fans smiling again when she opened the scoring in the fourth minute, another try to halfback Kelsey Berryman just before the break extended the margin to 8-0.
But the Bears struck back through Nyeema Tuua, and they continued to apply the pressure before Shenae Cassidy sealed a memorable victory, converting her own try with just over five minutes to play.
DOGS ON FIRE
It started as one versus three when Wests Tigers hosted ladder leaders Canterbury at Kirkham Oval. But an upset was never on the cards, with the Bulldogs flexing their muscles in a commanding 36-8 win.
Winger Kiana Vatubua and Fetuao Taito kicked the scoreboard attendants into action with early tries, as Canterbury opened a 20-4 halftime advantage.
The Tigers points came from tries to Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua and Layla Tima, and they continued to work hard, restricting Canterbury to three second half tries.
Taito crossed twice for Canterbury, and the classy hooker finished among the best as the Bulldogs extended their unbeaten run to seven.
TARSHA GALE CUP
North Sydney looked like scoring back-to-back victories at HE Laybutt Field, before they surrendered a handy lead against Manly in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
Sitting in 12th spot, the Bears surprised the high flying Sea Eagles with their intensity, and jumped clear with tries to Destinie Williams and Jayla Dicker to lead 10-0 at the break.
After upsetting Canterbury last week, a complacent Manly lifted the bar in the second half, running in five unanswered tries to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Lili Boyle was the first of five try scorers for Manly, with winger Kleo Lawson crossing for the last in the 55th minute.
VASILOVSKI DINES OUT AT ST MARYS
Gun Sharks fullback Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski showed why she’s so highly rated, running in three tries as Cronulla continued its charge up the ladder, cruising past Penrith 48-4.
Cronulla were never headed and raced in five breathtaking four-pointers in a hectic 18-minute opening.
Koreti Leilua and captain Stephanie Faulkner were outstanding for Cronulla. Both notched two tries as the Sharks solidified their place in the top six.
ROOSTERS EDGE KNIGHTS
A gutsy Newcastle gave the Sydney Roosters an enormous fright, but it was the reigning premiers who prevailed, coming away with a nail biting 24-22 win at Mascot Oval.
In a contest that finished five tries apiece, it was Aliyah Nasio’s conversion that ultimately proved the difference.
Winger Mele Ketuu bagged two as the tricolours held onto to second spot, While for Newcastle, who have now slipped to sixth, Lilly McNamara was the first of five different try scorers.
EELS UPSET RAIDERS
Parramatta kept its slim finals hopes alive, accounting for Canberra with a convincing 30-12 effort on home turf.
In a must win clash for Canberra, Claudia Finau found her way across the stripe in the second minute, but the prop’s effort was short lived as the Eels piled on the next four tries to open an unassailable 20-6 lead.
Despite losing front-rower Kalisi Mahe to the sin bin, Parramatta didn’t flinch, and added another two after halftime with centre Caitlin Peadon finishing the afternoon with a double.
STEELERS BURN DRAGONS
In an almost identical outcome to the under-17s match, Illawarra bedded down top spot after blowing away the Dragons 62-0.
In the battle of first versus last, their were no surprises as the Steelers rounded out a 12-try rampage.
There were three multiple try scorers, with backline stars Indie Bostock, Maria Paseka and Darcy Eade all finishing the day with two tries each.
CANTERBURY BACK ON TRACK
Canterbury have quickly moved on from last week’s surprise loss, easily accounting for Wests Tigers 30-4.
Desperate to show their title credentials, Canterbury centre Tia’ane Tavita Fesolai scored the first as the Bulldogs put the contest to bed, scoring three tries inside the first 15 minutes.
The Tigers didn’t help themselves, and were forced to defend with 12 after Kiani Duckett was sent to the sin bin in the 20th minute.
In a lacklustre second half, Wests showed defensive resolve, holding the Bulldogs to one try, which doubled as Tavita Fesolai’s second.
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP
Ladder leaders Western Suburbs extended its unbeaten run to six after outlasting the Rabbitohs 26-14 at Kirkham Oval.
Souths struck first through Joshua Ballard and dominated for the majority of the opening half, before the Magpies struck back through skipper Alex Isdale and Heamasi Makasini to lead 8-4.
A try to backrower Teancam Epati saw Wests skip 10 clear two minutes after the break, but Souths refused to roll over and trailed by six until Magpies prop Christian Taupau-Moors crossed to put the result beyond doubt in the final four minutes.
CENTRAL COAST SLIP BY PANTHERS
Central Coast’s finals bid is alive and well following the Roosters’ narrow 14-12 escape against the Panthers.
It was all Penrith early on at Morry Breen Oval. Backrower Leo-Stipe Latu found his way over the line, and when Hunter Bell doubled down, it was 8-0 after as many minutes.
Joshua Fesolai pegged one back for the Roosters, and the centre crossed again to level the scores just after the break. With 14 minutes left, Roman Tuaimau put Penrith four points clear.
But it wasn’t enough. Roosters fullback Jai Callaghan scored to level again in the dying minutes, and Central Coast collected a valuable two competition points after Payton Gifford landed the only conversion of the match.
ILLAWARRA DEFY TRAVEL BUG
A five-try burst before the break has propelled Illawarra to a 28-4 win over the Dragons.
Showing no sign of travel fatigue following last week’s trip across the ditch, the Steelers came out breathing fire to open a 24-0 halftime lead.
Fullback Jack Talbott and skilful playmaker Beau Baldock kick started the avalanche, before centre and captain Zane Timmins crossed either side of the break.
BULLDOGS SIZZLE
Canterbury had no trouble protecting it’s unbeaten record, easily brushing aside last placed Balmain 46-0.
Towering prop Itula Seve grabbed the contest by the scruff of the neck, posting a double inside the opening 20 minutes as the Bulldogs bounded to the sheds with 22 points.
Rielly Laverty crossed straight after the break, and the halfback’s effort was backed up by another three in a commanding eight-try rout.
PARRA TOO STRONG IN VICTORIA
Parramatta have put a dent in Melbourne’s finals hopes, following a 34-0 performance on the road.
Posting three tries either side of the interval, Parramatta extended its unbeaten start to the season with a perfect tune up ahead of the finals.
Halfback Lincoln Fletcher landed five conversions, while speedy backs Lorima Rokosuka, Cyrus Bloomfield and Samuel Mardini all crossed the stripe.
MANLY HOLD OUT BEARS
Manly have turned the tables after last week’s heavy defeat, keeping neighbours North Sydney scoreless with a convincing 26-0 effort at Blacktown.
With no signs of the leaky defensive line that haunted the Sea Eagles against Melbourne, Manly got the early jump via lock Cameron Makey and led 16-0 after Reilly Caswell and Cruz Death added their names to the scoresheet.
Centre Tahj Hamilton and Logan Tolar crossed after the interval to round out Manly’s third win of the season.
ROOSTERS TOP KNIGHTS
The Sydney Roosters have showed their title credentials, overcoming Newcastle 30-18 in an entertaining contest at Mascot Oval.
In a matchup between two outfits destined to feature in the finals, it was the Roosters who got the early jump with the first four tries.
Brooklyn Heath got the ball rolling, and by the 19th minute, five-eighth Jeziah Papa had crossed twice and the Roosters never looked back.
Newcastle regrouped, and after the break scored through Matthew McEwen and Callum Elsley, but their efforts were offset by a double to Roosters winger Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer.
WARRIORS JOIN TOP SIX
The Warriors moved into sixth spot on Sunday after knocking over the Raiders 26-10 at Pukekohe.
The homeside had the better of a tough opening, scoring the opening two tries through centre Siale Pahulu and hooker Kaawyn Patterson
for a 10-6 halftime lead.
Patterson crossed again after the break as the Warriors went on with the job, adding further four-pointers to Isaiah Savea and Kairus Booth.
SG BALL CUP
Western Suburbs’ finals quest has taken a massive hit after South Sydney caused a major boilover with a 42-6 upset.
Sitting in 13th spot, the Rabbitohs headed to Kirkham Oval with it all to do, but didn’t waste any time getting the jump on the highly fancied Magpies when fullback Yasin Kuscu crossed for the first of his two in the second minute.
William Craig levelled for Wests, but from there Souths exploded, racing to a 16-6 halftime lead before going on with the job with five second half tries.
Centre Zane Rugless was outstanding with a 14-point haul, as Wests slumped to fifth on the table, just one point clear of the Sharks in seventh place.
SHARKS IN GREAT ESCAPE
When Penrith headed to the sheds leading 22-6, Cronulla’s finals hopes looked dashed.
But with four unanswered tries, including a double to winger Pharrell Gray, Cronulla completed a miracle, slipping past Penrith 28-22 in one of the comebacks of the season.
With eight minutes to play, at 22-16, Penrith still looked the most likely, but their hopes were dashed by late tries to winger Richard Whalebone and the eventual match winner to centre Nikora Williams.
DRAGONS SAVE BEST TILL LAST
After falling to Illawarra in the opening three games at Kogarah, the Dragons saved their best for last with an emphatic 18-4 win in the SG Ball.
Questioned following a heavy loss to the Sydney Roosters, St George put their campaign on track with three tries to lead 14-4 at halftime.
Zachariah Nachar benefited from the efforts of his teammates to post a double, while fellow backs Lyric Craft-Te Moananui and David Afu joined the winger on the scoresheet.
BULLDOGS IN MUCH NEEDED WIN
Rising Canterbury halves Mitchell Woods and Alex Conti have combined to sweep aside the Tigers 42-6.
Needing a win to push for the finals, Woods and centre Sosaia Alatini completed first half doubles as Conti round out a strong performance, kicking five goals in Canterbury’s eight tries to one victory.
BEARS BITE BACK
North Sydney have backed up a solid first half, extending their lead to roll Manly 24-16.
The Bears started on fire and led 12-0 with tries to Blake Pasfield and Eli Morris. Manly shook off a dusty start and struck back through William Lane and Alton Naiyep to trail by two.
Any chance of a comeback was thwarted when Bears fullback Brooklyn Taumata dashed over for a try that was quickly followed by another to replacement Connor Autagavaia.
EELS SINK STORM
Parramatta’s finals charge remains on track after the Eels outclassed Melbourne 46-16.
Exciting Storm fullback Hugo Peel completed a brace, but Melbourne paid the price in the shadows of halftime.
Trailing 10-6, the Storm were on track to take the contest deep until Eels fullback Oliver McCarthy struck to extend the margin to 10.
It would prove decisive as Parra cantered to the finishing post, scoring five second half tries.
RODWELL STARS FOR ROOSTERS
The Sydney Roosters have all but locked up the minor premiership after downing Newcastle 28-22.
Centre Enzo Griffier crossed twice for the Roosters, and despite holding a four-point halftime lead, they pushed all the way by a desperate Newcastle side before Toby Rodwell crossed late to break a 22-all deadlock.
Sitting four points clear of the second placed Knights, the Roosters should finish in top spot, but you get the feeling Newcastle will be rubbing their hands together in anticipation of a finals get square.
RAIDERS LAND CRUCIAL WIN
Canberra swooped late to sink the Warriors 18-14, and in the process move into a share of sixth place on the SG Ball ladder.
Rodney Tuipulotu Vea put the Warriors on the scoreboard early, but the Raiders hit back quickly through backrower Mahonri Tiotala.
With the scores locked up for the majority of the half, Kayliss Fatialofa crossed late to give the homeside a 10-6 lead.
The Warriors extended their advantage to 14-6 after the break, but it was the Raiders who secured their fourth win of the season after late strikes by hooker Xavier Cacciotti and prop Samuel Hyne.
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