Stuart McLennan
NSW have dug deep to stave off a resurgent Queensland side, recording a 28-24 win in the Universities Interstate Challenge at Leo Williams Oval Brisbane on Saturday. It was the first victory for the students in blue since 2023.
NSW coach Jim Pizanias was full of praise for his young side after a combination of penalties and errors saw Queensland camped on their line and throwing everything at them in the final ten minutes.
“It's been a long time coming and I've been wanting to coach this team for a long time, it's the best feeling ever,” Pizanias said after the siren.
“These boys are young. They are 19 and 20. I think the oldest is 24 and they put in a tremendous effort. I had faith in these boys and they got the job done.”
Queensland raced out to an early lead in the sixth minute before NSW replied in the 12th minute after Ryan Polsen barged over.
With the forwards dominating in the middle and creating space for the outside backs, NSW ran in three more tries to go into the sheds at half-time with a commanding 22-6 lead.
Queensland came into the second half with renewed energy and commitment, scoring three unanswered converted tries to claw back the lead 24-22 with 20 minutes to go.
However, it was short lived after NSW halfback Lachlan Hails took a pass on the inside of NSW ‘Player of the Match’ Roy Simpson – who looked like he was going to be bundled into touch by the cover defence – to dive over and score in the 67th minute.
Despite the Maroons having a glut of possession in the final minutes, the battle-weary NSW team were able to repel the attacking raids and celebrate a well-earned 28-24 win in enemy territory.
The Australian Universities squad to tour Fiji later this year was named immediately after the match. Thirteen NSW players were selected including James Marriott, Thomas Fisher, Ryan Polsen Lachlan Hails, Leon Bakis, Jayden Seckold, Roy Simpson, Tyson Kunkel, Devonte Vaotu’ua, Abdallah Jacob El-Ters, Heith Pritchard, William Malloy and Bobby Miller.
NSW 28 (Polsen, Miller, Bakis, Malloy, Hails tries; Marriott 4 conversions) Queensland 24 (Forrester 2, White, Carlson tries; Speed 4 conversions).
