CHANGES NO HAZARD TO QUEENSLAND SUCCESS
THEY lost Titan Jesse Arthars to the NRL before the match and were forced into several reshuffles.
Yet Queensland Residents easily took state bragging rights with a commanding 42-22 victory over NSW at Dolphin Oval yesterday.
In a match that distinctly featured a lack of Burleigh players despite the Bears’ Intrust Super Cup standing, Tweed’s Christian Hazard helped the hosts storm to a 22-6 lead early.
Centre Delouise Hoeter scored an early double to ensure there would not be a repeat of last year’s 36-20 loss to the Blues.
Queensland had several changes, with Storm trio Harry Grant, Billy Walters and Pat Kaufusi being withdrawn from the team, while Bears and Titans ace Arthars was on NRL duties.
In for the Queenslanders came fullback Zac Santo, forward Temone Power, fiveeighth Josh Cleeland and utility Hazard.
Jets prop Nat Neale and Wynnum’s Mitch Cronin were the sole incumbents from the 2018 Queensland representative team; while the Blues had two players returning: Rabbitohs’ forwards Billy Brittain and two-try hero from last year Dean Britt.
On the back of a man of the match display from Sam Scarlett, Queensland put the foot down early and romped home. Not even a try to Newcastle’s Beau Fermor just before the break was enough to make a contest of it. However, despite being disappointed to let in a late try, Queensland Residents coach Jon Buchanan told the QRL after the match that he had faith his side would withstand the NSW fightback.