In a fiercely contested match at Liverpool’s Whitlam Leisure Centre, Queensland managed to hold off a determined New South Wales side to secure a 48-36 victory in the 2025 NRL Wheelchair State Challenge. The win ensures Queensland retains the prestigious shield for another year, but not without a genuine scare from the Blues, who came heartbreakingly close to an unlikely comeback.
The contest began with Queensland looking sharp right out of the gates. Within the opening minute, they threatened to post the first points of the match, surging toward the left corner post. However, NSW’s defence showed immediate resilience, scrambling to prevent the early try and setting the tone for a competitive afternoon of wheelchair rugby league.
Queensland soon found their rhythm and built a commanding 12-0 lead, putting the Blues on the back foot early. Despite this deficit, NSW refused to buckle. Displaying the kind of determination and grit typical of State of Origin battles—whether on the field or in the wheelchair format—the Blues responded in style. They clawed their way back into the contest, managing to level the score at 12-all after 30 minutes, sending a clear message that they would not go down without a fight.
Just when it appeared NSW had shifted the momentum, Queensland struck back decisively. Their attacking combinations clicked into gear in the final moments of the first half, leaving NSW scrambling to contain their rapid ball movement and precise execution. Queensland went into the halftime break with a substantial 30-12 lead, seemingly in control of the match.
However, the second half saw NSW mount a spirited resurgence. Refusing to let the deficit define their performance, the Blues gradually chipped away at Queensland’s lead. Their ball handling improved, their defence tightened, and they found gaps in the Queensland line that had eluded them earlier in the contest. With less than five minutes remaining, NSW had narrowed the margin to just six points, setting up a thrilling finish.
At that point, it seemed as though the momentum was firmly with the Blues, and a dramatic late victory was within reach. But Queensland’s captain, Bayley McKenna, stepped up when his team needed him most. In a pivotal moment, McKenna crossed the line for a late try that effectively ended NSW’s hopes of completing the comeback. His effort restored Queensland’s buffer and put the game beyond doubt in the dying minutes.
The 48-36 result reflects the high-intensity, end-to-end action that fans were treated to throughout the match. Both sides showcased incredible skill, athleticism, and tenacity, making the 2025 NRL Wheelchair State Challenge one of the most entertaining editions of the event in recent memory.
While Queensland celebrates retaining the shield, NSW will take pride in their never-say-die attitude and the late fightback that brought the crowd to the edge of their seats. Their performance promises an even more competitive showdown in the years to come.