NEW South Wales Residents scored three late tries against a gallant 11-man Queensland side to score a controversial 28-20 win at ANZ Stadium tonight. With 12 minutes remaining in the annual representative clash, the match turned on its head after a brawl erupted.

Queensland was leading 20-16 at that stage and was looking comfortable in its quest for back-to-back Residents victories. But the Queenslanders lost their grip on the game when forwards Darcy Lussick and Kieran Whalley were sin-binned following the altercation.

NSW had interchange player Josh Reynolds sin-binned as well but the home side received the penalty and cashed in. Centre Jamie Simpson leapt high to take a cross kick and level the score at 20-all. Just minutes later, the Blues caught Queensland short on the right side and went over through winger Kevin Naiqama.

Hooker Rory Kostjasyn scored in the dying minutes to further shatter the Queensland team’s dream. Queensland coach Brandon Costin and assistant Scott Dunshea cut dejected figures on the sideline. Costin said his charges put in an “outstanding” effort.The Sunshine Coast coach couldn’t hide his disappointment at having two players sin-binned at a crucial stage of the game.

“If both of them (Lussick and Whalley) got sent, how many of them could have?” Costin fired.

“It just wasn’t even.”

Queensland led 16-10 at half-time following tries to Donald Malone, Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Dalziel-Don. Dalziel-Don used his brilliant footwork to crash over close to the line and break the 10-10 deadlock in the 37th minute. Cherry-Evans, who had a fine game at halfback, landed the conversion for a six point buffer. After a tight opening to the second half, Norths Devils flyer Daniel Ogden completed a slick movement to score in the right corner for a 20-10 lead.

But the home team launched its fightback through a try from a grubber kick under the posts to fullback Sean Meaney.

NSW RESIDENTS 28 (Sean Meaney, Jamie Simpson, Kevin Naiqama, Gareth Widdop, Rory Kostjasyn, Aiden Guerra tries; Sean Meaney 2 goals) def QUEENSLAND RESIDENTS 20 (Daniel Ogden, Donald Malone, Daly Cherry-Evans, Luke Dalziel-Don tries; Daly Cherry-Evans 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium