NSW Cup wrap: Jets start their premiership defence in style

The 2025 season kicks off on Saturday at 2pm with the Penrith Panthers taking on the reigning premiers, the Newtown Jets, at Parker Street Reserve, Penrith.

It's set to be a showdown for the ages, a clash of the titans if you will.

Another four games will light up Saturday's lineup, with the Canberra Raiders facing off against the Warriors at 2pm, the Western Suburbs Magpies battling the Newcastle Knights at 2:15pm, the St George Illawarra Dragons going head-to-head with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 3:05pm, and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles locking horns with the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 5:15pm to close out the day.

It's sure to be a day filled with blood, sweat, and tears, as these teams leave it all on the field.

The round will wrap up on Sunday with the Sydney Roosters going toe-to-toe with the North Sydney Bears at 3pm.

The rivalry between these two teams runs deep, and fans can expect nothing less than a fierce competition on the field.

The Newtown Jets showed true championship spirit as they overcame the early loss of star fullback Liam Ison to secure an impressive 26-12 victory over the Penrith Panthers in a rainy and slippery battle at Parker St Reserve this afternoon.

It was a game filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but in the end, the Jets emerged victorious.

The defending premiers faced a tough challenge, making some early mistakes and falling behind at one point, but they dug deep and fought back.

With standout performances from Niwhai Puru, Brad Fearnley, Billy Burns, and Riley Pollard, the Jets rallied together to claim the win.

Each player contributed to the team's success, showing true grit and determination on the field.