NRL NT rep clash: Litchfield Bears halfback Matt Goodfellow stars in big Country victory over City team

THE forward strength and pace of the Country players pushed their representative unit to a 32-4 win over City in the annual representative match-up.And the women’s City side crushed Country 40-3 with a core of Sistaz starring, such as Bianca Stokes and Latoniya Norris.

Sistaz star Latoniya Norris impressed in City’s big 40-3 win over Country in the NRL NT women’s representative game. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

THE forward strength and pace of the Country players pushed their representative unit to a 32-4 win over City in the annual representative match-up.

Country started quickly, marshalled by Matt Goodfellow and quickly found themselves up two tries within 10 minutes, with Lachie Wright and Jack Willis scoring.

Palmerston’s Caleb Ephia was next to score for Country, shoving off a tackle on his way to the tryline before Keegan Quakawoot found the line.

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City wasn’t willing to exit the half without a score of its own and after combining with Nick Yarran down the left wing, Sauli Trarodi opened the scoring for his side.

But that would be it for City. After a cagey opening to the second half Country found its momentum once again.

David Russell, Goodfellow and Blake Fletcher all scored in the second half with the side throwing the ball around.

“These games are always good fun playing with the same fellas that you play against each week,” Goodfellow told the Sunday Territorian. “There wasn’t a real game plan for us. It was just … have a bit of fun.”

The women’s City side crushed Country 40-3 with a core of Sistaz stars such as Bianca Stokes and Latoniya Norris impressing.

Norris’ strong season, which saw her score 21 tries for her side, was rewarded with the Gaynor Maggs Women’s Player of the Year.

Litchfield’s star hooker Sam McAuley found himself awarded the 2020 Frank Johnson Player of the Year.