Inside Back: Partners set for Jets' return to Cup action

Fitzy will have his hands full as he negotiates his first few months in charge of an NRL side but recognises the importance of further strengthening the already tight relationship between the Sharks and Newtown.

The clubs have two seasons remaining on the current partnership agreement, with Newtown acting as a feeder to the Sharks while also chasing premiership success in the NSW Cup.

Fitzgibbon enjoyed a great relationship with Newtown when they were aligned with the Roosters for nine years and can't wait to rekindle the association.

"There are some really good people at Newtown. They are a great club steeped in rugby league history and I'm really excited about working with them again," the Sharks boss told Inside Back.

"I'm not sure I will have time for that [a schooner at the Henson], but it's a good fun day at home games where you can get out there and let the kids charge around while you're watching some quality footy."

The Sharks have really added to their roster depth over the off-season, which will in turn boost the Jets as NRL-quality players filter back to the NSW Cup.

"You want to make sure your feeder club is strong and I think we're going to have that," Fitzgibbon said. "We've got good depth at the Sharks and if we're fit and healthy then Newtown should be as well.

"It'd be good to see two fit and healthy squads to give us the best shot of doing well this season."

Jets coach Greg Matterson is excited to be working with Fitzgibbon again and underlined the importance of Newtown to the relationship. "We believe over the years we've created a good environment where they [NRL players] come back and they're not as stressed and pressured and can enjoy their footy," he said.

"Even though it is reserve grade it is a little different because it is Newtown with all the history that goes with it and there's such a great home ground atmosphere.

"They are proud to wear the jersey because it means something."

The Jets' 2022 NSW Cup campaign gets underway on March 12 against Canberra at Henson Park.

Sydney University first grade men's cricket side was looking to parlay celebrations from its thrilling T20 semi-final win over Parramatta on Australia Day into watching team-mate Hayden Kerr line-up for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL elimination final when plans hit a snag.

The players poured into their sponsor's pub - the Toxteth at Glebe - to find the big screen showing the Australian Open tennis. After a polite word to the publican - and with the approval of other patrons - they hit the switch and up came Kerr in the Sixers' magenta strip.

Promoted to the top of the batting order after a string of injuries and illnesses, Kerr - a former Newtown and now Mascot resident - survived a first-ball stumping to go on and thump an undefeated 98, leading the Sixers to a heart-stopping win over Adelaide on the last delivery of the game.

The match-winning knock, which sealed him a new deal at the Sixers, came as a surprise to many but not his Sydney Uni team-mates.

"Hayden's been opening for us for the last couple of years and has really developed his game," Uni skipper Tim Cummins told us. "When the ball is hard and only two guys are out (during the Powerplay), he can be devastating.

"He trains so hard and is a really good bloke and we are absolutely rapt for him."

The only problem now for Sydney Uni is Kerr is very much on the radar at state level and his club might not see much more of him this season.

The Students play Randwick-Petersham in the Sydney grade T20 final on February 6 and Cummins is hoping Kerr may be able to sneak in an appearance.

It's only early days but reports out of the Wests Tigers are new recruit Jackson Hastings is killing it at pre-season training and could emerge as one of the buys of the season.

The former Roosters and Sea Eagles utility had the ability but perhaps not the attitude and maturity in his first shot at the NRL, but he's making up for lost time in his second coming.

Hastings will play five-eighth in place of injured Tigers star Adam Doueihi and is already working up a sharp combination with halves partner Luke Brooks.

The 26-year-old's work off the training paddock - talking to younger players and making himself available for club promotions - has also impressed those at the Tigers.

Hastings left the NRL in 2018, reigniting his career and becoming a fan favourite at Super League clubs Salford and Wigan. He will quickly win over Tigers supporters with his all-energy approach.

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