THE Queensland Under 16 side posted back-to-back wins over NSW with a scrappy, but hard-fought 10-6 victory earlier tonight.
Before this match, Queensland had never won in Sydney, and after the first few minutes – that seemed liked it would remain the case – as nerves contributed to a number of Queensland errors.
The visitors also conceded the first try, with Blues centre Campbell Graham crashing over for the game’s first points.
However, handling errors plagued both sides and good work up the middle was lost due to dropped balls close to the line and out wide, just when it looked like a break would be made.
Queensland fullback Travis Turnbull was strong all night and was rewarded for his efforts with a try mid-way through the first half to draw scores level 6-6.
It was the first time the junior Maroons had a real opportunity inside the Blues half and they grabbed it, with Turnbull showing good strength to twist and place the ball down.
The rest of the half continued to be an end-to-end, but scrappy affair and the two sides went into the halftime break still locked at 6-6.
The second half started with a flourish with Queensland nearly breaking the deadlock early with a strong run over the line, but they were held up.
That sort of defence is not normally a feature of matches in this age group – but both sides showed great commitment in forcing their opposition back – which in turn contributed to the high number of errors that defined the match.
While both sides were guilty, it was NSW who would pay the ultimate price, with Townsville's Nathan Barrett finally able to cross after Queensland received repeated sets at the NSW line.
They was good lead-up work from his team with Barrett running onto a short ball and into a gap to post the match-winning try.
Blue winger Ethan Parry was busy for his side making a number of runs – but it was not enough to prevent Queensland from posting two wins in a row.
Queensland 10 (Travis Turnbull, Nathan Barrett tries; Travis Turnbull goal) def NSW (Campbell Graham try; Luke Medcalf goal) at ANZ Stadium
Under 16 Man of the Match: Dray Ngatuere-Wroe (Queensland)
Queensland Players Player: Jayden Bishop
TEAM LISTS
Queensland: 1. Travis Turnbull 2. Tom Kenny 3. Reihana Marsh 4. Clayton Mack 5. Thane Kellermeyer 6. Max Dowd 7. Dray Ngatuere-Wroe 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Tyson Smoothy 10. Tazmon McRobbie 11. Darius Farmer 12. Brandon Russell 13. Jayden Bishop 14. Braydon Trindall 15. Lochlyn Sheldon 16. Ben Thomas 17. Nathan Barrett 18. David Fifita
Coach: Kurt Richards
