Queensland Claim Victory in Thrilling NRL Wheelchair State Challenge 2025

The NRL Wheelchair State Challenge 2025 delivered an action-packed spectacle at the Whitlam Centre in Liverpool (NSW), as Queensland triumphed over New South Wales with a final score of 48–36.

This marks the 5th consecutive victory for Queensland in the State Challenge.

In a high-intensity contest filled with passion, physicality, and pure skill, both sides showcased the very best of wheelchair rugby league, but it was the Maroons who held strong in the second half to cement the win.

The first points went to QLD with an early try at the 6-minute mark. That momentum continued and heading to the half time break, it was Queensland with the lead, 30-12. An exciting second half effort from NSW had them back within six points of the Queensland side with less than five minutes remaining. The NSW surge was put to rest with a Queensland try from captain and player of the match, Bayley McKenna, that would halt any hopes of a successful NSW fightback in what was a thrilling contest between the two sides.

🔑 Key Moments & Outstanding Plays

• The Queenslanders were in the lead once again in the 26th minute through Zac Schumacher off a quick tap, taking some solid contact from NSW No.7 Diab Karim before putting the ball down. McKenna converted to go ahead 18-12.
• McKenna produced a try of his own shortly after when he weaved into space on the right edge, before turning back across field for a try on the left side. The skipper nailed the conversion to lead 24-12.
• The home side clawed their way back into attacking territory and capitalised in the 51st minute, with the ever-crafty Craig Cannane turning sharply down the short side to set up Diab Karim, who powered over in the corner. Karim then nailed the tough conversion from the sideline, narrowing the gap to 36–18 in Queensland’s favour.
• In the second half, NSW surged late to bring scores close with Karim providing a constant threat in attack and racking up two well-deserved tries.

The game will go down in history as one of the outstanding contests.

🏆 Full-Time Score

Queensland 48 def. New South Wales 36

🌟 Player of the Match – Bayley McKenna (QLD)

Queensland captain Bayley McKenna led from the front with an outstanding performance on both sides of the ball. His leadership, vision, and decisive playmaking proved crucial in setting the tone for Queensland’s success. McKenna’s ability to control the pace and deliver in key moments earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match honour.
McKenna contributed an outstanding 3 tries and 8 conversions to the winning score.

A Showcase of Passion and Talent

The match highlighted the growth and competitiveness of wheelchair rugby league across Australia. With a strong crowd, fans from across the country witnessed an exhilarating battle full of heart, grit and pride.

Congratulations to both teams for a thrilling contest, and to Queensland for their 2025 State Challenge title.