The Jets had trailed 14-0 at halftime and 20-6 after 60 minutes, but then scored four tries in the last 20 minutes to power home to a 26-20 victory.
Newtown’s coach Greg Matterson had given his team an old-fashioned blast at halftime after the Jets had turned in a very average first 40 minutes. Their defence had been poor and kicking game ineffective.
The Jets restricted the Sea Eagles to just one try in the third quarter and then scored four tries in the final 20 minutes.
Hooker Zac Woolford (formerly with Canterbury and the Knights) was one of the best players in the second half when the Newtown forwards took control.
Newtown’s opening round game in the 2020 Canterbury Cup NSW competition will be against South Sydney at the Metricon High Performance Centre (Redfern Oval) on Sunday, March 15, with kick-off at 4pm.
