The Under 17 Queensland City v Country matches were a brilliant display of talent, determination and community as the best and brightest junior athletes within the state competed against one another in a fiery Rugby League showcase.
U17 City vs Country - Boys
Queensland Country 32 def Queensland City 22 at Totally Workwear Stadium
In what was a helter-skelter affair, it was the Country boys who overpowered and outplayed a tenacious City squad.
The first twenty minutes belonged to Country, with Trent Martin, Lincoln Baker and Bailen Noy putting their sides up by three tries to nothing.
Baker’s try specifically was a great representation of the opening twenty, as the shifty fullback pounced on lazy markers at the ruck, splitting City in half and utilising his footwork to cross under the posts untouched, seventy metres away from the original mark.
Entering the sheds down by sixteen, David Stagg must have given his side an all-time rev up, as the energy shown by the City team was nothing like the first half.
Hitting back through Kingston Seve and Axel Friend, City reduced the deficit to only four points.
This comeback seemingly brought Country back to life, with players like Eli Cookson and Liam Marshall leading from the front with gutsy dummy-half runs and bone shattering hits turning momentum for their side.
Two late tries from Leo Fanuatanu and Nathan Thomas would seal the deal for the boys in red and gold, placing victory out of reach for City.
A consolation try from City half Harvey Smith would bring the deficit down to ten points, but ultimately upon the full-time siren sounding – it was the boys from the Country storming the field in celebration.
U17 City vs Country - girls
Queensland City 18 def Queensland Country 8 at Totally Workwear Stadium
The future of women’s rugby league in Queensland is in safe hands following an inspiring showcase of talent in the U17 City v Country clash.
In a hard-fought contest defined by grit and determination, both teams displayed elite-level defensive resolve early, setting the tone for a tightly contested opening stanza.
It took until the 8th minute for Queensland City’s Afeena Faamafu to break the deadlock, slicing through Country’s defensive line to open the scoring.
Team Country responded swiftly through Sailor Bowker, who crossed ten minutes later to level the scoreboard.
What followed was a fierce exchange where both sides relentlessly pushed for momentum, leaving no doubt about the quality and intensity of the next generation.
Queensland City began to find their rhythm late in the first half, with Sinalei Tupu making her mark on the left edge.
Exploiting quick ball movement and sharp execution, Tupu crossed twice in the space of four minutes, sending City into the break with a commanding 14-4 lead.
City extended their advantage early in the second half with a try from Leilani Taofinuu, yet Country refused to waver.
Their resolve and refusal to concede defeat was evident in their sustained pressure and continued attacking raids.
Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute as Emily Jackwitz surged over the line to secure Country’s second try, narrowing the margin to 18-8 — the eventual final score.
At full-time, players from both sides embraced in mutual respect, acknowledging the level of talent on display.
With performances like these, the pathway for young women in Queensland Rugby League has never looked more promising.
