THE NSW Country Cockatoos’ 2016 campaign finished with a loss to their Queensland counterparts in Toowoomba last weekend, the side’s second straight loss to the Heelers.
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The Cockatoos led 27-24 and looked likely to claim the Battle of the Borders Cup but Heelers fullback Mic Jamieson crossed in the corner after full-time to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
“The Cockatoos dominated the vast majority of the game, but mistakes and missed opportunities had cost them dearly, especially when they had set up two match winning leads," NSW Country coach Mat Thomas said.
"The Heelers had done their homework and targeted several of the key Cockatoos players, but the game was there for the Cockatoos to win and they hadn’t been able to execute their plays to achieve the result.”
Cowra’s Chris Miller, Forbes’ Mahe Fangupo and Dubbo’s Filisione Pauta were all stong in the loss.
The Heelers took an early 3-0 lead when Will Gilbert nailed a penalty goal but Cockatoos fullback Rapine Mason crossed not long after to give his side a 5-0 lead and Ben Damen extended it to seven with the successful conversion.
Adam McCormack and Aaron Louden also crossed for NSW in the first half while Jason Mackie scored for Queensland to see the former side lead 19-10 at the break.
Ben Damen kicked a penalty and Sioni Halanukonuka scored for NSW, while Jesse McGivalry, and Andrew Turner scored for Queensland before Jamieson found the line late.