Jets Buzz with Michael Nunn
THE Mackay Cutters come to town on Saturday hoping to claim another big Ipswich scalp.
The Cutters haven’t played in Ipswich since 2014 and it wasn’t a great night for them. The Jets led 10-4 at half time and 62-10 at full-time in what could only be described as a complete second half dominance.
The Ipswich team was:
1. Javarn White, 2. Kurt Capewell, 3. Nemani Valekapa, 4. Brendon Marshall, 5. Carlin Anderson, 6. Josh Cleeland, 7. Dane Phillips, 8. Kurtis Lingwoodock, 9. Troy O’Sullivan, 14. Billy McConnachie, 21. Martin Kennedy, 12. Sam Martin, 13. Keiron Lander (c), 17. Josh Seage, 18. Marmin Barba, 19. Wes Conlon, 22. Matt Parcell.
The Cutters haven’t enjoyed a great year, winning just two games. But one of those was against the Jets in round nine.
The other win was against the Falcons. The Cutters also had a draw against Souths.
The Cutters are yet to win a game away from home this year.
The Cutters defence away from home has let them down with them conceding 38 points against from eight games.
Liam Taylor is the Cutters’ leading point scorer with 130.
The Cutters’ record in Ipswich won’t be pleasant reading for them having only won twice at the Reserve and once at Briggs Road. But they did win a grand final at the Reserve in 2013.
The Jets had won the past three meetings between these two sides, before the Jets loss to them this year.
Remember that Jet?
I DIDN’T expect him to ring back. It was one day before this week’s Origin game and seeing how he’s the coach I thought maybe Jet # 93 Kevin Walters might have a few things on his mind.
He happily took my call and chatted about the Jets, Origin and footy. He spoke with pride about sitting at the kitchen table with his parents when Tommy Raudonikis suggested that Kevin and Kerrod could play for the Jets in 1986.
Kevin sadly recalled the 2008 grand final. He said not a week goes by he doesn’t think about the heartbreaking loss while he was Jets’ coach.
He fondly remembered what he called the good people that come from the Jets and the people that give up their time and effort. He was happy to see a premiership last year for the club.
Kevin spoke with passion for the area and the Jets and everything it has given him. It’s hard not to smile when a Jets’ legends like Kevin Walters ends the conversation with anything for a Jet.
Cooper’s stat
ORIGIN coach Kevin Walters’ coaching record at the Jets was 44 games, 31 wins, one draw, and 12 losses.
Hoodoo smashed
THE hoodoo has been broken. The Jets’ first win in Cairns since 2008 last Sunday took them to two points outside the top six.
They will have seven other teams looking over their shoulders at the sight of the looming premiers.
The Jets won the game in the first 20 minutes with their defence before their attack fired up.
Richard Pandia is equal with Carlin Anderson with eight tries for the year and the Jets’ leading try scorer.
Jesse Roberts was Players’ Player for the Pride game. He made 17 runs, 190 metres, two try assists, one line break assist, one line break, three tackle breaks, seven off-loads, 26 tackles and zero missed tackles.
Key Qld U20 roles
CONGRATULATIONS to former Jets’ trainer Matthew Barradeen, who is in camp with the Queensland under 20’s this week, and to current Jets’ physio Ben French. He is the physio for the Queensland boys.
A cold beer with . . .
Centre Ben White has been carving up the opposition on the Jets right hand side. After playing 13 games for the Jets, here’s a few quick thoughts.
What other sport are you good at? Swimming, a few state teams and Australia.
What’s your ringtone? The standard iPhone one.
Favourite song? Don’t you worry child by Swedish House Mafia
Favourite league team? Manly Sea Eagles
Most famous people you’ve ever met? Darren Lockyer and Michael Klim.