After dominating the representative fixture in the early years of the contest, New South Wales come into this year's Wheelchair State Challenge as underdogs against a Queensland side gunning for a fourth-straight win.
Coached by Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup and 2019 IRL Wheelchair Golden Boot winner Jack Brown, the Maroons took out last year's contest in Sydney in a dominant 42-26 display after the Blues had won every game played from 2015-19.
“The last three years of losing, you go through those emotions again of going back home without the shield,” Blues co-captain Diab Karim told nswrl.com.au
“You’re constantly thinking about what you can change next year. We have definitely bonded as a group this past year – grown together, learned together. I feel there’s more trust and belief in ourselves."
However, Queensland have prepared well and were ready for the challenge presented by the Blues, and were also hoping to see a strong home crowd come out in support.
“They’re going to have a bit of a fire in their belly this year,” Queensland co-captain Dan Anstey told QRL.com.au.
“They’re going to play well and play tough, so we’ll have to be ready for that.
“But it’s pretty important to retain the title again this year. It will definitely go to show how well wheelchair rugby league is going in Queensland and the depth that we have now.
“Especially with the talent NSW have, it’s going to be every man, every player, every supporter, everyone who can bring a voice for Queensland will get us over the line.”
2024 Wheelchair State Challenge
Wheelchair Rugby League Interstate Challenge
- This year's Cocoon SDA Wheelchair State Challenge between Queensland and NSW will be held Saturday, July 13 at the South Pine Indoor Sports Centre, 620 South Pine Road, Brendale
- Kick-off is at 3pm
- Entry is free and the game will also be streamed on nrl.com
- Squad profiles for both sides can be found at the NRL Wheelchair website
Interstate Challenge teams
Queensland: Dan Anstey (c), Brett Bazley (c), Peter Arbuckle, Tyson Barry, Shannon Buxton, Dylan Gawthorne, Bayley McKenna, Zac Schumacher, Jack Kruger, Cory Mostran, Jeff Wright (reserve)
Coach: Jack Brown
New South Wales: Brad Grove (c), Diab Karim (c), Corey Cannane, Craig Cannane, Zac Carl, Moey Chemaissem, Rick Engles, Edge Iole, Liam Luff, Toby Popple
Coach: Edie George