READY TO LIVE OUT MCG DREAM

Simpkin set to run out for Maroons

RUGBY LEAGUE: Jake Simpson’s stellar week continued yesterday as the Darling Downs held off a late Sunshine Coast charge to claim a 20-18 victory on the first day of the QSS U18s Championships.

Just days ago Simpkin was named to represent the Queensland U18s as a curtain raiser to the first State of Origin match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Simpkin said it would be a dream to run out onto one of Australia’s most prestigious sporting grounds, as he looks to continue his push towards the top grade.

“It was good to get my name called up into the team, it will be a great experience,” he said.

“It’s a dream come true. To play at the MCG, I never thought that would happen at this age but it’s great.

“It will be a great experience and I’m happy I got chosen.

“That’s the dream to get to that Origin and NRL level, and that’s what I’ll be working hard for.”

Simpkin won’t be the only Toowoomba junior running out onto the MCG on June 6, with Cory Paix also named in the 18-man squad.

“I played a bit of school footy with Paixy, so we’ll have a bit of a combination there.”

The immediate task at hand for Simpkin is producing at the state school championships at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

Despite lapses late in the contest, Darling Downs held out their fast-finishing opponents to score a two-point victory.

Things got tight at the end, as two late tries saw the Sunshine Coast get within striking distance in the closing stages.

“It was a tough win, the boys got a little bit complacent towards the end, but it was good to get the win,” Simpkin said.

“With the first game it’s always good to get a win and it really sets the tone for the rest of the carnival.”

The Darling Downs side showed no signs of first-game nerves, as Jack Hutton scored immediately after a 40/20 from Jordan Lipp in just the fourth minute of play.

After holding a 14-6 lead at half time, Darling Downs was able to break the stalemate midway through the second half as player of the match Josh Chappell attacked the line and was able to offload to Simpkin, to give their side a 14-point advantage that would prove a match-winning break.

Darling Downs will play for a spot in the semi finals today.

Photo: Kevin Farmer MELBOURNE BOUND: Jake Simpkin looks to push a pass for Darling Downs during their win against the Sunshine Coast on the first day of the Queensland School Sport 16-18 years State Rugby League Championships at Clive Berghofer Stadium.