The Junior Kangaroos have scored bragging rights over their Trans Tasman rivals for 2016, with a 34-20 victory over the Junior Kiwis.
The scores were close at half time but in the end the Kangaroos had too much class, on the back of some impressive forward play.
Man of the Match Jaydn Su’A ran for a game high 212 metres, Broncos’ team mate Tevita Pangai Junior ran for 160 metres and Coen Hess ran for 94.
The Kangaroos started off the scoring through prop JJ Felise who barged over. They scored another quickly thanks to a Dylan Edwards cut out pass to try scorer Curtis Scott.
Australia looked well on top but some solid attack by the Kiwis, led by Brandon Smith and Ata Hingano, helped them get two tries back through Ken Tofilau and Hingano before the break.
After half time, the Kangaroos extended their lead with tries to Brian Kelly and Connor Watson.
Hingano got his double to give the Kiwis hope, he regathered his own kick for an impressive individual try.
Panthers’ team mates Nathan Cleary and Rob Jennings scored the Roos’ final two tries to put the game to bed.
Siosifa Talakai showed his strength to score late and give the score line some deserved respectability.
Man of the Match: Jaydn Su’a (Junior Kangaroos)
Junior Kangaroos 34 (Nathan Cleary, JJ Felise, Robert Jennings, Brian Kelly, Curtis Scott, Connor Watson tries; Nathan Cleary 5 goals) def. Junior Kiwis 20 (Ata Hingano 2, Siosifa Talakai, Ken Tofilau tries; Isaako 2 goals) at Pirtek Stadium.
18TH MAN 