Queensland Under 18s beat NSW

by NRL

overturned a 12 point half-time deficit to register a stunning 24-18 victory over New South Wales in tonight's Under 18 match at ANZ Stadium.

In slippery conditions, the young Maroons struggled early as New South Wales capitalised on a spate of handling errors from the visitors to lead 18-6 at half-time.

Queensland's only points in the first half came from a try to impressive Souths Logan youngster Luke Bateman and conversion to Anthony Milford.

But Queensland rallied in the second half, with tries from Patrick Kaufusi and skipper Caleb Timu levelling the scores at 18-18 midway through the second half.

The relentless Maroons then piled on the pressure, pinning the Blues down for back to back drop outs off their own line before Timu made them pay with another bullocking effort close to the line to break the deadlock.

Milford's conversion attempt hit the post, but a few minutes later he stretched the lead to six points by knocking over a penalty goal.

The last five minutes produced a grandstand finish as Queensland desperately defended their try-line against a desperate Blues who threw the ball from sideline to sideline and peppered Queensland's outside backs with cross field high balls.

The Maroons twice held the Blues up over the line to close out a memorable victory.

Queensland coach Kevin Carmichael paid tribute to his team's fighting spirit after the match.

Carmichael is developing a great strike rate at representative level, with tonight's victory following on from his success with the Queensland Residents team last year.

QUEENSLAND 24 (Caleb Timu 2, Patrick Kaufusi, Luke Bateman tries; Anthony Milford 4 goals) def NEW SOUTH WALES 18 (Tyrone Phillips, Mitchell Moses, Jake Trbojevic tries; Clinton Gutherson 3 goals) at ANZ Stadium.

Half-Time: NSW 18-6

* Earlier today in Sydney, Queensland Police defeated New South Wales Police 20-8.

Your thoughts?