Country claims double in XXXX Queensland City versus Country showdowns

Queensland Country emerged victorious in both the women's and men's fixtures at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday, June 6, holding off spirited Queensland City challenges in a down to the wire XXXX City v Country campaign.

The opening match of the day produced an entertaining contest, with the Queensland Country women’s team holding on to defeat Queensland City 20-18.
Country came out firing, crossing four times inside the opening 25 minutes through Eva Steers, Sarah Field, Libby Dunn and Taniah Meyers. With Meyers adding two conversions, Country built an early advantage and looked in control.

But City refused to back down.

Led by strong attacking efforts from Tali Vaeau, who crossed for a double, City continued to fight their way back into the contest. Tries to Alissa Carey and Ellecana Potoru-Moala ensured the margin remained within reach and set up a tense finish.

With just two points separating the sides, Country was forced to defend relentlessly in the closing stages, eventually holding firm to secure the victory.

At full-time, Country centre Casey Manzelmann was recognised for an outstanding performance, earning Women's Player of the Match honours after leading the way in both attack and defence.

The men's fixture delivered just as much drama, with Queensland Country overcoming a fast-finishing Queensland City outfit to claim a 34-30 victory.

Country struck first through Dario Takitaki and maintained the upper hand throughout most of the contest, with tries coming from Takitaki, Thomas Luhrman, Ricco Falaniko, Dom Macumboy and Trent White.

Yet every time Country looked set to pull away, City answered.

Blake Goodman proved a constant threat, crossing for a hat-trick, while Oscar Amosa added two tries of his own as City continued to apply pressure and turn the match into a shootout.

Despite both teams finishing with six tries apiece, Country's advantage came through the boot of James Frazer, who converted five of six attempts to create the crucial difference on the scoreboard.

As the match entered its final stages, City threw everything at Country in search of a breakthrough, but the Country defence absorbed the pressure to hold on for a four-point win.

Country forward Trent White was named Men's Player of the Match after a dominant performance through the middle, capping off his afternoon with a try that helped steer his side to victory.

The result capped off a successful day for Queensland Country and highlighted the quality and depth of rugby league across the state, with both contests showcasing the skill, resilience and competitiveness that continue to make the XXXX City v Country a highlight on the Queensland rugby league calendar.