The Jets led 16-6 at half-time and increased their lead to 22-6 early in the second half.
A spate of second half errors and conceded penalties by Newtown, allowed the Dragons back into the game, with St George-Illawarra scoring three unanswered tries to get within two points of the Jets with five minutes left to play. The Newtown boys played out the remaining time effectively to ensure victory.
Winger Sione Katoa scored twice for the Jets, with the other try-scorers being centre Ronaldo Mulitalo and second-rower Siosifa Talakai.
Halfback Braydon Trindall converted three of these tries
The Dragons also scored four tries but only managed two conversions.
Seven weeks ago the Jets were in 10th place on the competition table, and they have remained unbeaten in their last six games (three competition games and three finals) as they advanced through the business end of the season.
Newtown will take on Parramatta’s partnership club Wentworthville in the 2019 Canterbury Cup NSW grand final next Sunday, September 29. The venue is Bankwest Stadium and the match kick-off time is 3.05pm.
Jets rocket to grand final
THE Newtown Jets have qualified for the 2019 Canterbury Cup NSW grand final, after defeating the minor premiers St George-Illawarra 22-20 in the preliminary final match played at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.