The Fighter Jets

IN DEVELOPMENT WITH WILDBEAR ENTERTAINMENT

When you pull on the blue Newtown Jets jersey you are either a gifted junior rising through the ranks tapped for NRL glory or you are a seasoned professional out of form or out of favour fighting it out in the semi-pro league with hopes of redemption.

Meanwhile, Henson Park, the homeground of this foundation rugby league club formed in 1908 is home to the ghosts of league legends. Most notably the late, great Tommy Roudonikis, Frank ‘Bumper’ Farrell and Rugby League ‘Immortal’ Johnny Raper. The team holds a special place in its community and has seen highs and lows. The Jets enjoyed first grade success winning three Premierships, several minor premierships, but left First Grade in 1983. Since that time they have been a permanent fixture in the semi-pro, ‘Reserve' Grade league, now known as The NSW Cup, one tier below first grade NRL. The Jets recently won the premiership in 2019 before 2 seasons were suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but in 2023 there are on a surge towards the finals and the future is bright. There are even talks of a return to the NRL as the 18th Franchise in Western Australia.

Once rugby league's working class heartland, the neighbourhood of their homeground at Henson Park is now more known for its coffee roasters and craft breweries than blooding the future forwards of the NRL. Nevertheless, Henson Hill still captures the love and passion for footy of a bygone era. Aging life-long fans scream their lungs out alongside hipsters and local rugrats running amok. To many this is REAL rugby league, how the game should be played and watched. Before million dollar broadcast rights turned the working class game into a high end media franchise.

A feature sports documentary following the notorious grass roots semi-pro rugby league club in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West for a full season in 2024.

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Image © Newtown Jets