The 2017 Lendlease Interstate Challenge is just around the corner with the annual event taking place this weekend, which will see the NSW Blues out to defend their crown against the Queensland Maroons after claiming back-to-back victories in the two-match series in 2016.
A battle of the best of the best, the annual fixture showcases the best talent across the New South Wales and Queensland Rugby League codes, with players selected to represent the State in which they played their first senior Wheelchair Rugby League game.
New South Wales will be out to further stamp their dominance in the fixture having claimed Series victories in 2015 and 2016, but it will be no easy task considering the vast array of talent that Queensland has to offer.
Raiders Star Michael Johnson will be looking to lead from the front having successfully captained Country to another Series victory earlier this year, and will be joined by fellow country team-mate Nathan Pentecost, with both players adding significant experience after representing NSW in 2016.
Although Country claimed the series victory in May, NSW have named a City dominated squad to take on the Maroons, with the likes of Amro Ibrahim, Jarrod Serwa, Louis Richards and Trinity Castillo all named to represent NSW after strong performances.
Wests Tigers Star Louis Richards will be certainly out to continue his good form from club level, leading the tier-two competition with 26 tries and 16 goals so far this season.
Queensland have enjoyed little success since the introduction of the annual series in 2015, but will be looking to avenge their back-to-back series defeat in the series opener this Saturday.
Their side be led by Australian Assistant Coach Darren Mckenna, with the full team to be named in the coming days.
Game 1 will kick off at 6pm on Saturday, 3 June at Sleeman Sports Complex, with Game 2 kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, 4 June.
