Norths Devils Claim NRL State Championship in Thrilling Match Against Newtown Jets

The Norths Devils secured their place in history with a tight 20-18 victory over the Newtown Jets, earning their first NRL State Championship title at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. The win marks only the third time a Queensland club has claimed the championship, following Northern Pride‘s win in 2014 and Ipswich Jets’ triumph in 2015.

The closely fought contest saw both sides score four tries each. Newtown Jets’ winger Sam Stonestreet delivered an impressive performance with a hat-trick, increasing his season tally to 16 tries in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup. However, his match was cut short in the 71st minute due to a head injury assessment.

Oryn Keeley emerged as the standout performer for the Devils, scoring two crucial tries in the second half. His efforts helped the team overturn the Jets’ lead, which they had maintained until just six minutes before full-time.

The match also paid homage to Barry Vining, former Jets president, with players donning black armbands and observing a minute’s silence in memory of his contribution during his 32-year tenure.

Norths Devils started the match strong with Papua New Guinean international Jeremiah Simbiken scoring in the opening five minutes. However, the Jets dominated much of the first half, leading 14-10 at halftime, thanks to Stonestreet’s try-scoring exploits and a spectacular effort from Niwhai Puru, supported by teammate Braden Hamlin-Uele.

The second half saw Stonestreet extend the lead with his third try, but errors from the Jets allowed the Devils to increase the pressure. Keeley’s try, busting through three defenders, narrowed the lead to two points, setting the stage for his match-winning move in the 74th minute.

The defeat ends Newtown Jets’ aspirations for a second State Championship, having last won the title in 2019. The Jets were fresh off a grand final victory over North Sydney Bears in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup last week.