LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Western Suburbs Magpies faced a tough defeat, losing 40-18 to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Lidcombe Oval in Round 25 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup. The Magpies initially took the lead when the promising 18-year-old Heamasi Makasini showcased his strength and speed to score early in the match.
Makasini's impressive performance earned him BarTV's Player of the Match honors, despite the team's loss. However, the Bulldogs quickly replied, with Jack Todd powering over for a try, followed by efforts from Logan Spinks and Cassius Tia that exploited the Magpies' weaknesses on the right edge.
This quick succession of three tries within ten minutes allowed the Bulldogs to establish an 18-6 lead by half-time. After the break, the Magpies struggled but found a crucial moment when prop Kit Laulilii broke through for a strong try, narrowing the score.
Later, Charlie Staines made headlines with a spectacular 70-meter run after picking up a loose ball, providing a thrilling moment for the home crowd. However, the Bulldogs maintained dominance in both possession and field position throughout the second half, with tries from Jonathan Sua, Jethro Rinakama, and Lipoi Hopoi sealing their 40-18 victory.