QLD v NSW Residents preview

Former and up and coming NRL hopefuls clash in a typically tight rivalry. 

For the Queensland Residents, they field a typically strong line up as they look to retain the title of a competition, that much like that of their NRL counterparts, they have dominated for years. Having won 4 of the past 5 meetings between the two sides, Queensland have in such a period had an array of talent pass through, with the likes of Daly Cherry-Evans, Kyle Feldt and Matt Parcell all coming through the ranks of the Queensland Residents. One player they will certainly miss, who they will now face up against is Dragon Shaun Nona. Nona has kicked a perfect 10 from 10 in his past 2 clashes for the Queensland Residents and starred in both, with a couple of key try assists sealing both wins. Recent debutant for the Titans, Cameron Cullen will look to fill Nona's shoes with his limited experience paramount for a Queensland side lacking in first grade experience when compared with their NSW counterparts. 

Thus, New South Wales will be licking their lips at possibly regaining the title that has superseded their grasp recently with Nona named in their line up along with an array of players exuding some form of top grade experience. You cannot go past recent Tigers purchase, Elijah Taylor who was somewhat harshly relegated to the reserve grade at Penrith, and subsequently has this week penned a deal with their Western Sydney rivals in a hope for more game time. Taylor is an 80 minute tackling machine and along with Matthew Allwood, Ken Maumalo, Justin Hunt, Josh Drinkwater, Shaun Lane, Jarrad Kennedy, Daniel Alvaro and Bureta Faraimo holds invaluable NRL experience. The Queensland side is a very youthful one, and it remains to be seen whether the Queenslanders attacking brilliance will lay the platform for another victory.

Last meeting: Residents Clash 2015 - QLD Residents 36 NSW Residents 32

Who to watch: For NSW, with a new deal, Elijah Taylor will be looking for a solid performance as a representation of his anticipation for what should be consistent first grade footy. Taylor was paramount for Penrith in defence during his stint at the Foot of the Mountains, with a great tackling efficiency and also possesses leadership qualities. 

For QLD, with a couple of first grade games under his belt, Cameron Cullen has shown great control and poise for the Titans and will look to take on a relatively experienced NSW side. If Cullen can dominate the kicking of the proceedings, it will go a long way to securing another victory.

Favourite: Queensland come into this one sound favourites to take out the win.

Tip: This one is tough to pick. Queensland have been dominant for many years, but boasting more NRL experience, I expect NSW will come out on top in a close affair. NSW Residents by 4.

QLD Residents: 1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Sami Sauiluma 3. Nemani Valekapa 4. Aaron Whitchurch 5. Linc Port 6. Cameron Cullen 7. Darren Nicholls 8. Sam Anderson 9. Anthony Mitchell 10. Herman Ese'ese 11. Jack Svendsen 12. Brett Greinke 13. Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14. Mitch Cronin 15. Corey Jensen 16. David Murphy 17. Francis Tualau 18. Ryley Jacks

NSW Residents: 1. Justin Hunt 2. Bureta Faraimo 3. Jordan Drew 4. Matthew Allwood 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Shaun Nona 7. Josh Drinkwater 8. Abraham Papalii 9. Mitch Williams (c) 10. Daniel Alvaro 11. Asipeli Fine 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Shaun Lane 16. Shannon Wakeman 17. Dylan Kelly 18. Omar Slaimankhel 19. Jarrad Kennedy  

Referees: Matt Noyen, Jarrod Cole; Sideline Officials: Peter Anderson, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Clayton Sharpe, Nick Kalpakidis