Forbes gun Charlie Staines’ stellar run with Penrith’s SG Ball premiership-winning group continued on the weekend when the Panthers secured a 38-32 win over Queensland’s under 18s champions Souths Logan.
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In a game that could be described as a “mini State of Origin”, NSW’s best juniors met the winners of Queensland’s Mal Meninga Cup.
Staines lined up at fullback and capped a tremendous campaign with the Panthers as national champions in thrilling circumstances.
The NSWRL premiers raced to an early 22-0 lead at Redcliffe's Dolphin Stadium, but Souths Logan rallied.
The Queensland champions drew level at 32-all with less than two minutes to go and the match looked certain for extra time until Panthers’ flying winger Zach Cini broke through.
He scored in the dying stages of the final, after Penrith shaped up for the drop goal in a bid to break the deadlock.
Charlie’s dad Shayne Staines was amongst the tense fans on the sidelines, celebrating as NSW pulled through.
“It’s magnificent what they’ve done,” he said.
“It’s a big thing to have won the SG Ball, but then to go up north and beat the Queensland team on their own turf, it’s a fantastic achievement.
“It’s a real feather in NSW cap.”
Charlie has been a consistent performer for Penrith as they progressed through nine rounds of NSW competition undefeated.
The SG Ball competition is a stepping stone for the Jersey Flegg (under 20s) and possible the NRL.
He’s due for a rest, then Forbes fans can expect to see the talented Year 12 Forbes High School student on the field with the Magpies this Group 11 season.