hunter WED 18 MAR 2015
Printed on 100% recycled paper
KATIE NOONAN Turn over for your entertainment guide
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
page 11 pa
Labor’s education pledge Opposition promises primary and high school for Rutherford area AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
L Ossie the Mossie turns 21 p.4 SPORT Jets aiming for strong finish to A-League season p.13
abor has committed to building a new high school and primary school in the Rutherford area if it wins the election on March 28. Visiting Aberglasslyn last week, Opposition Leader Luke Foley said a Labor Government would commit $25 million to a new primary school and $40 million for a new Maitland high school through the party’s $3 billion Better Schools and Hospitals Fund. “The Lower Hunter is a booming region and Rutherford Primary School is at the edge of its capacity with about 700 students enrolled in the school,� he said. “A new primary school is a necessity and Labor will deliver it without the need to privatise the electricity network.� Mr Foley said the construction of the new primary school would be Labor’s first priority, but all-but ruled out construction beginning in their first term. Funds would be reserved to construct a new high school as the need grows. Both schools would include before and after school childcare provisions to assist working parents. However, Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson said Labor’s announcement lacked substance. “They have said the primary school is a priority
NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley and Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison scope out potential land for a new primary school at Aberglasslyn but they have no land, and no commitment to build it in the next four years,� he said. “They say the high school is important too but again won’t build it in the next four years, and
they are supposedly building it in Maitland, when their candidate has been calling for it out west. “This smacks of an election promise for 2019, not now.�
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Editor's Desk
19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar, NSW 2309 P (02) 4961 0310 www.thehunterpost.com.au www.facebook.com/newcastlepost Editorial: editorial@newcastlepost.com.au Advertising: enquiries@newcastlepost.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd Editor: Paul Monforte Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE), Amelia Parrott Sales Manager: Rhonda Campbell Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Alison Hislop (Hunter), Jo Jones (Hunter), Michael Cleary Administration: Lauren Pollard
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Wednesday 18 March 2015 « the hunter post
the hunter post
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paul.monforte@newcastlepost.com.au
Hockey under fire from both sides of the political divide Poor Joe Hockey just can’t take a trick at the moment. His suggestion that prospective young home buyers be allowed to use a portion of their superannuation to purchase property has been met with widespread criticism - a lot of it coming from within his own party. On the one hand, I guess we should be applauding politicians who are prepared to come out and say what they think about a particular idea rather than just give stock-standard responses to questions, but I also think there should be an obligation not to criticise the Treasurer in the media and show that the Government is a solid unit. I understand that this was an idea put forward by Mr Hockey himself and not an official party policy, but it really does leave the public wondering just how united the top echelon of the Liberal Party is. As for the merit of Mr Hockey’s idea, I’d be wary of seeing it introduced, but I think it is at least worth having a serious debate on the pros and cons. I’m sure there would be many young people taking a look at the balance of their savings and seeing the gap continuing to widen between that and the price of a home. They would be feeling that, as it stands, their dream of home ownership would remain just
PAUL MONFORTE
Criticism coming from within his own party
a dream and are therefore they are likely to be very supportive of Mr Hockey’s idea. Back about 20 years ago when I entered the workforce, superannuation was very low on my list of priorities. It seemed to me that the money going into your superannuation fund wasn’t ‘real’ as you wouldn’t be able to touch it for 60 years or so and retirement is not on the radar when you are in your teens. I remember being annoyed about having to fill out the forms to enter a particular fund and never really took much notice of how the balance was growing or the amount of fees being taken out. Thankfully, there is a lot more emphasis placed on the importance of superannuation these days and many young people make informed decisions when planning for their long-term future. However, in this age of instant gratification there are also a lot of people who would gladly dip into their super if it meant they could have a house now. I believe those people would need to be somewhat protected from themselves and be made totally aware of the possible effects of reducing the amount of money available to see them through their retirement years. It sounds as though, at this stage, the Treasurer’s idea will remain just an idea.
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Community
the hunter post » Wednesday 18 March 2015
Riding for awareness and education School teacher on 130-kilometre journey from Newcastle to Sydney in support of epilepsy services AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
aul Davies might think his upcoming ride to Sydney is selfish but in reality the journey is anything but. The Hunter Sports High School teacher is about to embark on a 130-kilometre ride from Adamstown to Sydney to raise money for Epilepsy Action Australia. Mr Davis said the organisation was particularly close to his heart as his 13-year-old son Tom is one of the 225,000 Australians who suffer from the brain disorder. “I’ve always wanted to ride to Sydney from Newcastle so it was kind of a selfish decision to tick something off my bucket list and then I thought, why not raise money and awareness while I’m doing the ride,” he said. Diagnosed at four-years-old, Tom’s condition is controlled by medication but he still suffers seizures every eight to 12 months, which often require a trip to hospital. “Unlike a lot of other sufferers of epilepsy, Tom is happy to share his story and make people aware of his condition,” Mr Davis said. “Tom loves the water and all things outdoors and has learnt the more people
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Paul Davies and his son Tom around him that are aware of his condition, the more activities he can participate in, as this gives him a support crew in those that are aware of his condition if he does have a seizure.” Epilepsy Action Australia provides potentially life-saving education and
support services to children and adults with epilepsy and other seizure disorders, with a vision that all sufferers can have the opportunity to live confident lives. To support Mr Davies on his ride, or register to join in, visit http://cycle.gofundraise.com.au/page/myridetosydney.
Riders will meet at the Gates Hotel at Adamstown at 6:10am on Saturday, March 28. The ride is expected to take about 10 hours, with breaks every 20 kilometres, and conclude at the Lord Nelson Hotel in the Rocks.
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Wednesday 18 March 2015 « the hunter post
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Crime
Community
Kurri Kurri man faces court on animal cruelty charges
Birthday celebrations as local icon Ossie the Mossie turns 21
AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty following a sickening incident at Kurri Kurri last week in which nine puppies were clubbed to death. Nathan Thompson appeared at East Maitland courthouse last Friday, pleading guilty to charges of serious animal cruelty, aggravated animal cruelty and resist arrest, having spent the previous night in behind bars. Police alleged that Mr Thompson was seen last Wednesday afternoon hitting a litter of 11 Bull Terrier-cross puppies over the head with a rock and dumping their bodies in bushland near McLeods Road in Kurri Kurri. Police maintained that Mr Thompson acquired the litter free of charge via an advertisement posted online after the puppies failed to sell. A witness, walking his own two dogs, allegedly saw Mr Thompson carrying out the brutal act and when confronted he drove from the scene with five of the puppies still alive. The RSPCA was called and an inspector later recovered the five puppies in nearby scrub. Three were dead but two were clinging to life. They were taken to the RSPCA veterinary clinic in Rutherford but one sadly died on the way. Following investigations by the RSPCA
AMELIA PARROTT
A
@amelia_parrott
ne of the Hunter’s most-loved mascots has marked a major milestone. Ossie the Mossie, Hexham Bowling Club’s king-sized Hexham Grey mosquito celebrated 21 years perched alongside the Pacific Highway, with a birthday party attended by club directors, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, and students from Tarro Public School who sang a special song inspired by Ossie. The three-and-a-half metre high mascot was erected outside the club in 1994 at a cost of $17,500 and over the years has inspired songs and poems and frequently featured on lists of Australia’s Best Big Things. Hexham Bowling Club secretary manager Jon Chin said Ossie had undergone a few facelifts over the years but was still loved by the community. “Ossie has already had some plastic surgery in 2004/05 and in 2008 because of damage from the elements and other insects,” he said. “He had another nip and tuck in 2010 when the Roads and Maritime Services ordered Ossie to be moved back four metres to assist with the widening of the Pacific Highway. “[At] that time he received some animation including glowing green eyes, a new red belly and a neon nose.
O Lucky, the sole survivor of an act of animal cruelty carried out at Kurri Kurri and police, Mr Thompson was arrested at a home on Heddon Street, Kurri Kurri on Thursday night and later charged with serious animal cruelty, aggravated animal cruelty and resist arrest. He entered a guilty plea in East Maitland Local Court on Friday morning and was granted conditional bail, against the request of police, and ordered not to purchase, acquire or take custody of an animal for the next 10 years. A pregnant dog, belonging to Mr Thompson’s girlfriend, will also be removed from the couple’s home. Mr Thompson will be sentenced on April 28. If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. The surviving puppy, dubbed Lucky by vet staff, will be re-homed.
(L-R) Former club chairman Jim Mehan, current club chairman Les Carter, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, club secretary manager Jon Chin and former Newcastle Lord Mayor John McNaughton. “The fantastic efforts by the kids at Tarro to make Ossie’s birthday special is typical of the affection local people have for him.”
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State election
the hunter post » Wednesday 18 March 2015
Labor to light up Marcellin Park Election win would deliver $100,000 for upgrades to allow night training for Maitland Rugby Club AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
aitland Rugby Club will soon be able to light up the night, with Labor pledging $100,000 for a new electrical transformer and lighting at Marcellin Park, if elected on March 28. New lighting will be installed around Field Number 1 and the car park as part of the upgrade, allowing the club to train after dark. “During winter, the juniors have to hold training sessions on Saturdays because there is insufficient lighting to safely hold training mid-week,” Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said. “There have been significant concerns raised about the lack of ambient lighting and car park lighting when young players are leaving the fields, relying only on the headlights of cars.” Ms Aitchison said prior to receiving funding it had been suggested that the club, the second oldest rugby club in the country, move to grounds in Rutherford. “The club has been based at Lorn since its inception,” she said. “As the second oldest rugby club in Australia behind Sydney University they
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Marcellin Park at Lorn will receive an upgrade to lighting if Labor is elected on March 28 want to retain their heritage by playing on their home grounds.” The lighting upgrade follows recent improvements to the club house facilities
at Marcellin Park. Junior club football manager Michael Kelly said the funding would assist the club to use their home ground to its full potential.
“The club is in desperate need of this new transformer so we can better utilise the playing fields without lighting difficulties.”
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Wednesday 18 March 2015 ÂŤ the hunter post
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Health
maitland matters
Revolutionary saliva-based test for people with diabetes
all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor
Spotlight on our seniors eniors Week began this week and is highlighted by the sold out performance by Lonnie Lee and the Leeman on Thursday at Maitland City Town Hall. However this week isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about rock and roll, instead we should take the time to recognise the significant contribution senior people make to our community. Each week these people volunteer for local community organisations, participate and organise community development programs, and play their part in making our city a great place to live, work and enjoy recreation activities. Visit the Seniors Week website for more information nswseniorsweek.com.au Maitland is renowned for its rich heritage and last week it was announced that the city would receive funding to help conserve the Maitland Jewish Cemetery and Glebe Cemetery, Maitlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest burial ground. Part of the announcement by The Hon. Robyn Parker MP also included funding to proceed with a new set of initiatives to help preserve the heritage values of Walka Water Works. Maitland is very proud of its heritage and while we continue to move forward as our city
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grows, it is also important to remember our past. I was pleased to see the adoption of the Maitland Conservation Management Plan Review for Maitland Town Hall at last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council Meeting. The plan provides Council with important guidelines on which to base future maintenance and management decisions for the upgrade of facilities in line with design, heritage and functional considerations. I look forward to seeing the revitalisation of Town Hall as it retains its place as a key venue for the community to meet and celebrate. This Sunday 22 March is World Water Day which is a timely reminder of the importance water plays in our lives and community. In addition to our people and wildlife, many of our local industries and farming areas rely on the use of water, so it is important that we play our part to help to protect local water quality. The Hunter Region is blessed with an abundance of water resources, yet we shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take this for granted and remember to always save water when we can. For more information about the day visit unwater.org/worldwaterday
PUBLIC NOTICE 2015/16 MAITLAND LOCAL HERITAGE FUND Applications can now be made for grant assistance under the 2015/16 Maitland Local Heritage Fund. Small grants of $500 to $1,000 are available for conservation works to commercial, residential or other places of heritage value within the Maitland Local Government Area. All grants are given on a dollar for dollar basis. Applications can be picked up from Maitland Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Customer Service Counter, posted on request by calling 4934 9700, or accessed on Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website maitland.nsw.gov.au/ Heritage/HeritageGrant Two quotes for all works proposed are required,
AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
inger-prick blood tests for people with diabetes could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new technology being developed at the University of Newcastle. Using a 2D printer, researchers are the university have produced a saliva-based test that detects concentrations of glucose and is up to 100 times more sensitive than current blood sensors. Developed by the team behind the world-first water-soluble solar cell technology, dubbed solar paint, the technology integrates bio-sensors and chemical signatures into printed transistors. Professor Paul Dastoor from the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre of Organic Electronics said there was a growing need for a noninvasive blood glucose testing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By 2020 it is predicted there will be 500 million people in the world with diabetes,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The creation of the non-invasive test for diabetes has been the Holy Grail in diabetes research for decades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because we have developed paint with semi-conducting particles, we can now download electronic designs, print them relatively cheaply from an inkjet printer and, in principle, build any electronic device.
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and applications must be submitted to Maitland City Council by 13 April 2015. For more information please contact Clare James, &RXQFLOČ&#x2021;V +HULWDJH 2É?FHU RQ
SPECIAL EVENTS In accordance with Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Events Policy notice is hereby given of the following proposed event occurring in Maitland. Č? 7KRUQWRQ &KXUFK RI &KULVW SURSRVH WR KROG D Youth Skate Competition community event at the Skate Park, Taylor Avenue, Thornton between 2.00pm and 7.00pm on Saturday, 11 April 2015. Written submissions regarding this event are invited from the public and will be received up until 4.00pm on Friday, 27 March 2015.
David Evans General Manager 285â&#x20AC;&#x201C;287 High Street, PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320 t 02 4934 9700 info@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Professor Paul Dastoor with printed saliva-based glucose tests developed at the University of Newcastle â&#x20AC;&#x153;On this principle, we have developed a saliva-based test of glucose levels for diabetic patients using a reel to reel printer, potentially making blood tests a thing of the past.â&#x20AC;? Estimated to cost as little as one cent per test, Professor Dastoor said he and his team were now investigating the logistics of printing the tests on a large scale.
Please Note: The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 applies to Council. Under this Act, certain information held by Council may be released upon application by members of the public. Council will not consider \RXU VXEPLVVLRQ DV FRQČ´GHQWLDO DQG PD\ reproduce it in part or in whole. Further information may be obtained by contacting Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Service Planning Environment and Lifestyle Group on 4934 9700.
Interested residents are welcome to attend. Next meeting: 24 MARCH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.30pm
Agendas are available from our website or by contacting customer service. For information on development applications please visit our website â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maitland.nsw.gov.au WW16500
7 the hunter post Âť Wednesday 18 March 2015
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Wednesday 18 March 2015 « the hunter post
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Giveaway - Sydney Family Show
Giveaway - Metro Hotels
Rides, showbags and a whole host of Easter family fun
Metro Hotels the perfect base for your Sydney Easter adventure
he Dodo Sydney Family Show is back for 2015 from April 2-12 at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. Run by the Hunter-based Osborne family, the event is Sydney’s only freeentry family show and is the largest of its type in Australia. Free attractions at the show include pig racing, Looney Tunes Stage Show, Disney Cars and Planes Zones, daily Easter egg hunts and visits from the Easter bunny and a special bunny-hopping championship on Good Friday, April 3. And, of course, what’s a show without rides and showbags. There will be a large range of showbags on offer with traditional carnival rides being joined this year by the likes of Top Gun, Hurricane, Traffic Jam and Circus Train. “We are extremely mindful of how days out with the whole family can really add up, the Dodo Sydney Family Show is all about spending the day together and not worrying about breaking the budget,” show director, Britt Osborne said. “Entry is free and for only one low price of $35 per person, kids and adults can enjoy unlimited rides for four full hours - while the cost for a family of four is just $110, allowing them to spend the best part of a day enjoying tons of different rides and activities,” Ms Osborne said.
lanning an Easter holiday in Sydney with kids is easy. There are so many family friendly attractions and activities that can be enjoyed. Don’t miss the iconic Royal Easter Show, being held in the Sydney Showground at Olympic Park from 26th March to the 8th April 2015. This is the time of the year when the country comes to the city, displaying the best of agriculture, produce, animals of all kinds and time to enjoy hours of fun with carnival rides and entertainment. The Royal Easter show is Australia’s largest annual event attracting up to 900,000 visitors during the dates that it is run. If coming to the city for Easter, take advantage of the Trainlink’s ‘take a friend free’. Two for the price of one on all regional fares, both first and economy class, during April and May. Metro Hotels are offering Easter ‘Hot Deals’ at their four Sydney properties over the Easter period. All properties are centrally located in the city and within easy access to public transport. The ‘Hot Deals’ start from $145 per room per night including complimentary WiFi and chocolate Easter eggs on arrival. Aspire Hotel, Sydney, includes two adult Opal Cards for free travel around Sydney (valued $20 each) All deals are subject to availability and
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The Dodo Family Show will be open from 10am to 5pm on April 2, 10am to 6pm for the Easter long weekend (April 3-6) and 10am to 5pm from April 7 to 12. For further information and to book tickets for rides, head to www.sydneyfamilyshow.com.au The Post has five family passes to give away for the Dodo Sydney Family Show valued at $110 each. To enter the competition, email editorial@newcastlepost. com.au with ‘Family Show’ as the subject. Please include you postal address and a contact phone number. Entries must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, March 24.
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valid from 01-30 April 2015. Check the website for details on www.metrohotels/ hotdeals.com. Also take advantage of the Family Funday Sunday tickets offering discounted travel for 2 adults and 2 children for $2.50 per person. The ticket will take you anywhere in Sydney by public transport and even covers a day trip to the Blue Mountains and Central Coast. To make a reservation, call the toll free reservations on 1800 114 321. Courtesy of Metro Hotels, the Post has a night’s accommodation for two at the Metro Aspire in Ultimo to give away to one lucky reader. To enter the competition, email editorial@newcastlepost.com.au with you postal address and a contact phone number. Entries must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, March 24.
Ballot draw for Maitland and Cessnock Independent candidate Philip Penfold will appear in the top spot on ballot papers for the seat of Maitland in the NSW state election on March 28. Mr Penfold’s name will be followed, in order, by Jenny Aitchison (Labor), Steve Thomson (Liberal), John Brown (Greens), Tania Esposito (No Land Tax) and Anna Balfour (Christian Democratic Party - Fred Nile Group). In the seat of Cessnock, Nationals’ candidate Jessica Price-Purnell was drawn to appear at the top of the paper. Ms Price-Purnell will be followed, in order, by Julie Johnson (Christian Democratic Party - Fred Nile Group), Domenic Lopreiato (No Land Tax), Lindy Williams (Greens) and Clayton Barr (Labor).
Pre-polling in Maitland is available at the Returning Officer’s Office, Shop 2, 255 High Street. Those in the Cessnock electorate can complete a pre-poll vote at the Returning Officer’s Office at 14 Vincent Street, Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Community Centre, 251 Lang Street. The Returning Officer’s locations are open from 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday (open to 8pm on Thursday, March 26) and 9am - 5pm on Saturday. The Kurri Kurri Community Centre will be open for pre-poll voting commencing Monday, March 23. Operating hours will be 8am - 6pm Monday to Wednesday and Friday and 8am 8pm on Thursday.
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the hunter post Âť Wednesday 18 March 2015
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Wednesday 18 March 2015 « the hunter post
10
SENIORS
A guide for older residents
Relax at Palm Lake Resort Fern Bay
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ne short trip from her home in Anna Bay was enough to convince Patricia Watkins that Palm Lake Resort Fern Bay was the ideal location for her to live. Patricia first came to have a look at the demonstration Villa “Sunrise” which was perfect for her needs and just what she was after. The facilities at Fern Bay were not yet built at that stage but she had made her decision! That was in June 2014 and she moved into her villa in February 2015. Patricia’s background was in theatre, including performing and stage work. She worked on musicals such as My Fair Lady and Calamity Jane. She recently become involved with the signing group which has been established in the Fern Bay community. Patricia also is looking forward to the relaxation that being part of the arts and
craft group will bring her, as she is a keen ribbon embroider and painter. The photo shown is with one of her glorious paintings. In Patricia’s family she has three children, two step-children, 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, her family are very happy with her decision to move into Palm Lake Resort at Fern Bay which has given her more freedom as she no longer has to maintain a large house and surrounding land, there are plenty of social activities and she is in a more safe and secure environment. Palm Lake Resort Fern Bay is located at 1117 Nelson Bay Road, Fern Bay. For more information about the Resort, please call 1800 648 868 or email salesfernbay@palmlake.com.au You can also learn more about the Resort by visiting www.palmlakeresort. com.au/locations/new-south-wales/ fern-bay-retirement-village
Palm Lake Resort Fern Bay resident Patricia Watkins
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Wednesday 18 March 2015
Battling Jets vow to stay strong The Newcastle Jets have committed to strong efforts for the final six games in the A-League season. Photo: Courtesy of Newcastle Jets
PAUL MONFORTE
he Newcastle Jets insist they will continue to fight hard for the remainder of the season after falling to last place on the A-League ladder. The Jets’ 4-0 loss to Melbourne City on Saturday and a midweek victory by Western Sydney in catch-up match, saw the Wanderers overtake Newcastle on goal difference. Coach Phil Stubbins said the performance against Melbourne City at AAMI Park fell well
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below the team’s expectations. “From start to finish, we weren’t at the races,” he said. “You can’t hide behind a performance like that. We were clearly outplayed by a better team on the day”. Newcastle’s lack of class and player depth was there for all to see with Enver Alivodić’s shot early in the second half the only genuine scoring opportunity for the visitors. Former Jets captain Kew Jaliens opened the scoring for Melbourne City after 18 minutes with the score remaining 1-0 at halftime. “Kew’s been a player at a good level for a long
period of time. Things have moved on and he’s here now,” Stubbins said. “We conceded from the set-piece [for Kew’s goal], which was unfortunate, but it was poor marking. “He’s at a club with a fair array of talent amongst their stocks. There’s no animosity towards Kew at all.” Goals in the early, middle and late stages on the second stanza ensured a comfortable victory for John van ‘t Schip’s side. The Jets head down to Parramatta this weekend to take on the Western Sydney Wanderers
at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 5pm. The Wanderers are also coming off a heavy defeat after falling 3-0 to Melbourne Victory last Friday night. A-League ladder: Wellington Phoenix 39pts (+15), Sydney FC 38pts (+11), *Melbourne Victory 37pts (+15), Perth Glory 37pts (+7), Adelaide United 36pts (+12), Melbourne City 27pts (-2), **Brisbane Roar 25pts (-1), Central Coast Mariners 19pts (-16), *Western Sydney Wanderers 11pts (-15), Newcastle Jets 11pts (-29). * denotes one game in hand. ** denotes two games in hand.
Tough Knights remain undefeated nights captain Kurt Gidley has praised the mental toughness and resilience of his team following the come-from-behind win over the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night. The Knights found themselves trailing 14-0 shortly before halftime before grinding away to record a 16-14 victory. “It is a massive win, we still have plenty to work on but I think our character has been the most pleasing part from our past two wins,” Gidley said. “We knew how big of an assignment it was coming up here, we have been beaten pretty convincingly over the last few years.” Newcastle’s confidence was boosted two minutes before the break with Jarrod Mullen chipping over the top from a scrum win in the Knights half for winger Akuila Uate to chase. Uate outpaced Cowboys halfback in the race to regain possession and was tackled short of the tryline. From the play-the-ball, a quick spread of
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the ball to the left allowed Joey Leilua to cross in the corner. A try to Uate in the 63rd-minute put the visitors withing striking distance at 14-10 before a determined effort from Leilua saw the powerful centre score his second in the 73rdminute and allow Tyrone Roberts to give his side the lead with the conversion. The Cowboys received a penalty seconds before the fulltime siren and elected to take a shot at goal from 58 metres out. North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt had no trouble finding the distance required but the kick was away to the left of the posts. The Knights are away again this weekend when they travel to the Gold Coast to take on the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday at 6.30pm. The Titans had a well-publicised disrupted preparation for the start to the season and will be chasing their first win following losses to the Wests Tigers (19-18) and Penrith (40-0). The Knights’ NSW Cup team had a convincing 32-16 win over the Newtown Jets at
The Knights enjoyed success on their trip to Townsville. Photo: Courtesy of Newcastle Knights Kurri Kurri Sportsground on Saturday afternoon. The Jets are the feeder team for the Cronulla Sharks and boasted a line-up with plenty of first grade experience. However, the Knights had
enough attacking flair to get the points with Nathan Ross and Jake Mamo each scoring twice. In the under 20s, Newcastle led 22-8 at halftime before being overrun in the second half to lose 42-22.