Queensland Universities have overcome NSW Universities to retain the Australian Universities Rugby League Interstate Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, with a big 52-12 interstate win at St Marys Leagues Stadium.
The visitors took just two minutes to get on the board, with second-rower Harry Pondekas scoring the first of his three tries in Queensland's first opportunity.
Regular halfback Brayden Torpy was in fine form at fullback for Queensland, finding space on multiple occasions and setting up helping set up winger Jack Mackin in the first half. Soon after, captain Chris Ostwald chased a grubber to score, ensuring the Gary O'Brien-coached side had all the running.
Late in the first half, NSW got on the scoreboard via Dallas Grieco, with Dylan Izzard converting for a 22-6 half-time score. Izzard then scored himself shortly after the resumption, but the home side failed to continue their second-half fightback.
Pondekas completed his hat-trick with a quick-fire double, all but sealing the result - with Torpy, Josh Rogers and Declan Morrissy crossing in the final 20 minutes.
After the match, seven of the NSW Universities side were named to represent Australia in a squad to tour South Africa in October: Billy Butler, Dylan Izzard, Matt Jurd, Luke Jurd, Malachi Morgan, Robert Tuliatu, Braydon Torpy and Tom Watkins.
Queensland Universities 52 (H Pondekas 3, J Baker, J Mackin, C Ostwald, B Torpy, J Rogers, D Morrissy tries; B Torpy 7, J Carroll goals) def NSW Universities 12 (D Grieco, D Izzard tries; D Izzard 2 goals)
