Under 20s coach Justin Hodges said his young Maroons forged bonds of mateship and trust in camp and in battle against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night (May 31).
"When you see the boys exchanging numbers, texting each other, and talking to each other, that's what it's all about," the former Maroons hardman centre said of the making of friends for life.
Hodges said they embraced the significance of representing Queensland and the importance of honouring the Maroon spirit.
About the match he told them: "No matter where a Queenslander is in the world, we make sure they wake up the next day happy and always proud of us."
The Under 20s "never gave in" and played like true Maroons, he said.
'They really dug in for each other."
New South Wales defeated Queensland 30-16.
For more Under 20s...
Read the match report
Watch the highlights video
Check out the photo gallery
Watch the post match interview with Captain Brodie Croft