“No matter what sport you play, you want to beat Queensland.”
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both Neil Webster and Nic Grose described playing in the touch football State of Origin series as a privilege and added getting one over the Queenslanders made it even more special.
The Dubbo Touch Football Association pair played in the prestigious tournament at Redcliffe earlier this month.
Webster was part of the men’s 55s side which won it’s three-game series while Grose and women’s 30s went down, 2-1.
However, the Blues won eight of the 14 age divisions to retain the State of Origin silverware.
“Everyone who has played in Test matches comes back and says State of Origin is even stronger so I’m really privileged to play,” Webster said of the carnival.
“And it’s also a chance to bring that experience back to the club.”
You do it because you’re playing the very best players in Australia.
- Neil Webster
Webster has played for the Blues before but the experience was a whole new one for Grose.
The chance to represent her state was not something she expected after initially making the squad but after a late call-up she had no hesitation in rushing into camp.
“It really was next level,” she said of the standard.
“It was a great experience and I will 100 percent try out again next year.
“I was playing with and against Jillaroos and Australian touch player so that was really good and it honestly was a great experience.”
READ ALSO:
Winning overall made it even sweeter.
“It’s everyone’s dream,” Grose added.
“No matter what sport you play, you want to beat Queensland.”
Webster echoed that sentiment, with the hassle of weekly training in sessions
“It is the best standard and tournament you can play. Most of the NSW side is from metropolitan, we had seven Manly players and there were only two from the country,” he said.
“It was a big commitment but you do it because you’re playing the very best players in Australia and it’s always a fierce rivalry.”
Webster, the president of Dubbo touch football, was part of a thrilling series. His side was down 5-3 late on in the opening game before two late tries sent it to a drop-off. It got down to three-on-three before the Blues scored the winning try.
The second match was a more comfortable 5-2 victory while the Maroons came back and won the third match in a drop-off.
Grose’ series was equally entertaining as an opening 8-5 win for NSW was followed by one of the matches of the tournament.
In what was otherwise a hard-fought series, attack dominated in that match and a late try saw Queensland score an incredible 11-10 victory. The Maroons then came out and won the all-important match 6-2.
“It was super exciting. It was just hectic,” Grose said of that match.
While pleased with his own performances at Redcliffe, Webster was thrilled Grose got to be part of the tournament.
“It’s a great achievement to be selected in a NSW team,” he said.
“It’s much more difficult for players in country areas because while our local competition is strong we don’t have those same quality tournaments week in, week out.
“Nic puts in big time with our juniors so she’ll really be able to coach and bring back what she learnt.”