Errors hurt Rangers
TRL stars unable to lift Qld to win against NSW rivals
RUGBY LEAGUE: Matt Duggan enjoyed his debut Queensland Rangers experience but was left disappointed with a loss to a New South Wales representative team on the Gold Coast.
Duggan, along with Dalby duo Jason Wardrop and Steve Franciscus plus former Toowoomba talent Haydan Lipp, represented the Rangers in the 30-14 loss to the NSW Ron Massey Cup representative team at Pizzey Park yesterday.
The Ron Massey Cup team boasted plenty of size and the New South Welshmen used that to get on top in the middle of the park.
It was hard for the Rangers pack to match that and handling errors cost the Queensland team.
The Rangers had a good few days in camp on the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the game, so the loss was a far-from-ideal way to round out the experience.
“It was disappointing. We just dropped too much ball,” Rangers halfback Matt Duggan said.
“They were a really big side.
“They probably hurt us through the middle.”
The Rangers battled back and competed better in the second half but the visitors did enough to hang on to the lead.
There was resistance from the Rangers pack though as Dalby lock Jason Wardrop was named player’s player for the Queensland team.
But the domination of the Ron Massey Cup forward pack limited opportunities for backs like Duggan, Franciscus and Lipp.
Duggan managed to score the first try for Rangers though to secure a personal highlight during his maiden Rangers appearance.
“That was my first time. I loved the week with the boys,” Duggan said.
“I loved the chance to play for Queensland, although it’s a bit disappointing.”