The NSW Indigenous U16's have recorded a convincing 32-12 victory over Queensland tonight at Suncorp Stadium.
It was NSW who had to overcome all the early pressure after losing the ball in the first tackle and having their Captain Ethan Roberts taken from the field with a suspected knee injury.
After holding out consecutive Queensland attacking raids, five-eighth Michael Doolan split the defence from 30 metres out to score between the posts and set up an early 6-0 lead.
NSW applied the pressure to Queensland by taking the ball 90 metres in the next set to score back to back tries through Robert Lane.
As both teams settled into the contest a moment of brilliance would be required for either team to gain the ascendancy and it would be NSW fullback Ngangarra Barker who would provide it.
Receiving the ball in the centre of the field, Barker stepped his way through several Queensland defenders who must have been thinking Ben Barba was playing for NSW.
To complete the showcase, Barker stepped the fullback to score untouched between the sticks bringing the crowd to their feet and setting up a 16-0 half time lead.
A mistake by Queensland from the kick off was all NSW needed to take control of the game, with a short side attacking play resulting in a NSW try and 22-0 lead after only one minute of the second half.
Queensland finally opened their account when three consecutive penalties were awarded to them from close range. Despite desperate defence NSW couldn't hold them out as the score narrowed to 22-6.
Queensland had only begun to take control of the game when a try saving tackle by Keedan Kelly and several damaging runs by Jesse Ramien put NSW back in control.
A well weighted kick from Troy Dargan forced a drop out and Keedan Kelly put the result beyond doubt with a try extending the lead to 26-6 with only minutes to play.
After a monster hit by Ethan Roberts, who returned to the field, jolted the ball free, Michael Doolan capped off a great performance by the NSW Indigenous side by scoring his second try in the shadows of full time for a 32-12 NSW win.
It was a fitting end to a great camp for the young men, whose exceptional coaching staff made the week an experience they would never forget.
"I've loved every minute of it," said halfback Troy Dargan.
"Making this team has made me so proud and i'm sure the boys will never forget it."
Ngangarra Barker was named man of the match.
NSW Indigenous U16 32 (tries: 2 Michael Doolan; Ngangarra Barker; Keeden Kelly; Ryan Milgate; Robert Lane; goals: 4 Michael Doolan) def QLD Indigenous U16 12 (tries: Christian Power, Sheldon Benjamin; goals: TBC)