NSW too strong in physical contest

THE first hitout for the Crimsafe Australian Police Rugby League Tri-Series was a cracker, with New South Wales Police Rugby League defeating Affiliated States and Territories Storm Police Rugby League in a physical clash 24-10.

NSWPRL established an early lead but some mistakes cost them possession of the ball towards the end of the first half, allowing ASTSPRL to step through and establish a 10-8 lead at half time.

NSWPRL coach Craig Sheridan said it was a “tough game of football”.

There were concerns at halftime that his rivals would take the match away. He said the players needed to gather themselves and come out stronger in the second half.

“We had a good talk, we realised we had to keep our composure and things worked out,” he told the Sunday Territorian.

“We had to complete our sets, we thought it would open up for us and it did. We needed to be on the ball at the right time, and we were.”

The physicality of the match contributed to the NSWPRL second-half success. There were injuries sustained on the ASTSPRL side, with concussions to two of their best players. Skipper Brendan Williamson and front-rower Andrew Chard, both Australian representative players for police rugby league, sustained heavy knocks. There was also a high tackle on Cade DeLepervanche that was put on report, with NRL NT going to a judiciary hearing post match.

ASTSPRL coach Marty Hyde said the defeat was a frustrating one.

“We started horribly but we were able to come back which was so good. We did it again in the second half but then we couldn’t come back,” he said.