Bunker denies late Queensland heroics to return Origin shield to New South Wales

The Queensland Maroons fought gamely in a back-and-forth encounter with New South Wales, and one of Toowoomba’s own was just metres away from snatching an unlikely win at the death.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Toowoomba’s Shenae Ciesiolka was metres away from etching her name into Origin folklore.

Under the pump for the entire game in their State of Origin encounter in Canberra, an Ali Brigginshaw bomb was cleanly taken by Julia Robinson, who offloaded to Ciesiolka, who in turn planted the ball down next to the posts.

The Maroons celebrations were soon turned to despair however, with the bunker stepping in to correctly rule Robinson’s charge came from an offside position.

Shenae Ciesiolka of the Maroons. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

It ended Queensland’s run of two straight wins, with the Sky Blues coming out on top 22-16 in an entertaining clash.

That continued a rough Origin weekend for the northerners, with the NSW U19s claiming both the men’s and women’s fixtures on Thursday night.

It started with the women, who were in the fight early after Jada Ferguson showed a clean pair of heels to get across the line, but ultimately they fell 22-6.

Captain Xavier Va’a led the way with a game-high 16 runs and got through a mountain of work, but it didn’t pay off as NSW prevailed 32-6.

JADA FERGUSON

THIS weekend is shaping up as the biggest festival of rep football ever seen, and a duo of Toowoomba players will help kick things off.

Jada Ferguson and Xavier Va’a will represent the Queensland U19s as they take on New South Wales in their State of Origin fixtures on Thursday night.

For Ferguson, it’s her second year representing the state after being chosen as one of two over-age players, and she wants revenge for last year’s defeat.

“I feel more prepared and eager to beat New South Wales,” Ferguson said.

“Coming off a loss last year, I’m more determined to win. Being in the halves, I just want to take control of the game.

Jada Ferguson. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images

“The game will be at Origin intensity so we need to run hard and hit hard, but my job is taking control and leading from the front.”

Ferguson comes into the side as one of the most experienced players after a maiden NRLW campaign with the Brisbane Broncos, and has had the benefit of training with the Maroons in the lead-up to the Origin encounters.

“I found out from Tahnee (Norris) that I wasn’t in the open’s team, but there was another opportunity for me in the U19s,” she said.

“I got to train with the Maroons all throughout the campaign until the last camp. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to train with the best of the best and some of my idols. I was really grateful to be in the squad with them.”

Featuring in four games throughout the year, Ferguson said she tried to make the most of every opportunity presented, as young girls across the region look up to the 19-year-old.

“I wasn’t really expecting to get much game time being one of the youngest in the squad and new to NRLW,” she said.

Toowoomba's Jada Ferguson. Photo: Dylan Parker Photography

“I was lucky enough to play and definitely took the opportunities I got, and it makes me keen for next season.

“It hasn’t quite hit me yet, but it’s good to be someone girls in the region look up to. I want them to know they can make it from a regional area.”

Ferguson came into rugby league last year when suiting up for the Tweed Seagulls in the BMD Premiership after excelling in a number of other sports.

A talented touch football player and Rugby Sevens player, she represented Queensland and Australia in the former.

With a second NRLW season for 2022 set to occur later in the year, Ferguson will again play for Brisbane.

The women’s match takes place at Leichhardt Oval at 5.45pm, followed by the men’s fixture.

XAVIER VA’A

WHEN Xavier Va’a runs out onto Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night, he’ll join an illustrious list of players to reach the ultimate underage honour.

The Toowoomba front rower and St Mary’s College alumni has been named captain of the Queensland U19s ahead of their Origin clash with New South Wales.

It’s the reward for a stellar season that saw Va’a and the Sydney Roosters advance to the grand final of the SG Ball Cup, going on to play Jersey Flegg, and getting a taste on NRL in a pre-season trial.

Xavier’s father Paul said the honour is a reflection of the work he has put into his craft, and said how proud he was.

“I’m just excited for him. Like all these young kids, to see the fruition of their hard work and to get an opportunity like this, it makes you proud,” Paul Va’a said.

“He called on Tuesday to say the camp is going well, and he was named as captain which is a real privilege for him.”

Xavier played his junior football with Dalby and Highfields in the TJRL, before getting a taste of A-grade last year with Valleys.

He has previously represented the Queensland Schoolboys, and was named in the 2020 U18s state squad, alongside current Maroons Jeremiah Nanai, Selwyn Cobbo and Reece Walsh.

There’ll be support in the stands with a number of family members making the journey down to Sydney.

Xavier Va'a for Valleys. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“We’re very grateful,” Paul said.

“A lot of people can’t make the game, but there’s a lot of positive reinforcement and support from Toowoomba.

“There’s a lot sending their best wishes in footy circles, and we’ll bring down the good vibes through us.”

Paul had some sound advice for Xavier as he continues on his amazing football path.

“It’s his journey, no one elses,” he said.

Xavier Va'a and Keanu Wright-Dunrobin. Photo: Sam Flanagan

“To see that he’s taking the opportunity with both hands and giving it a crack. He understands he’s got to hang in there and keep plugging away and chasing that dream.

“Whether it comes to fruition or not, you want to say to yourself that you gave it a shot.”

He was joined in the squad by fellow St Mary’s talent Shaun Packer, who is on the extended reserves list.

The men’s U19s Origin match commences at 7.45pm.

Xavier Va'a and Jada Ferguson will represent the Queensland U19s. Picture: Getty Images/The Chronicle

BEAU FERMOR

HE mightn’t have made rep sides growing up in Dalby, but Beau Fermor finds himself in the one everyone in the Sunshine State want to be a part of.

The Titans back-rower was named as part of Billy Slater’s 22-man Queensland squad that is looking to seal the series in Game 2 in Perth on Sunday night.

Hailing from Dalby and playing for the Devils throughout his junior career, Fermor has had to work extremely hard to get to where he is today, with his father Craig paying tribute to his determination to stick at his goals of playing first grade.

“Beau’s had to work for everything he got,” Craig Fermor said.

“He was one of those kids that never made any rep sides as a teenager, and it’s purely through hard work he got noticed by the Storm back in the day.

“He took a risk and moved on to the Knights and made a fist of that. There was a couple of serious injuries, particularly his knee.

“But this is all he’s ever wanted to do. He’s one guy who is prepared to work hard and this is a reward for that.

Beau Fermor. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“As his dad you see the sacrifices he has made that others don’t see.

“Some of the stuff we’ve had to do, the places we’ve had to take him and the cost. You don’t mind doing that when you see how hard he’s worked to get where he’s at.

“Nothing has been gifted.”

Craig coaches a junior Devils and said Beau has never forgotten his roots, always offering to help out the next generation of country footballers.

“He consistently makes an effort to come out and support the juniors,” he said.

“He regularly comes to training and will help run the water on occasions.”

Beau Fermor during his Dalby Devils days. Photo: Contributed

While the Titans find themselves at the bottom of the NRL ladder, Fermor has been one of the most consistent performers along with captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, something his father said is a testament to the effort he always gives.

“Beau has worked terribly hard to get a regular spot in first grade,” he said.

“Making the squad reinforces that even though the team he’s playing for isn’t performing too well, he’s doing his job.

“I thought he was a little unfortunate to not get an opportunity in the first squad, but he’s got his chance now and he’s over the moon to get the chance to mix with an elite group of guys.”