Sailor makes winning debut
October 4, 2001

Queensland has overpowered New South Wales 34-17 in the Centenary of Federation match at Ballymore.

All attention was on high-profile rugby union debutant Wendell Sailor and although he was on the field for just 25 minutes, the former Brisbane Broncos rugby league star did enough to keep the crowd of 14,136 entertained.

The Reds ran in five tries to one, with slippery winger Ricky Nalatu starring with three tries, including two sharp kick-and-regather tries.

Wallaby fullback Chris Latham sealed the match with a try in the 63rd minute, standing up replacement Waratahs back Duncan McRae close to the line.

Latham made a rare mistake just minutes earlier when he dropped a pass with the tryline open after excellent lead-up work from Wallaby teammate Toutai Kefu, who was among the Reds' best players.

There were plenty of fumbles tonight as the teams showed signs of rust in the one-off match, which was in the balance when Manuel Edmonds booted the Waratahs to within three points in the 52nd minute.

Edmonds kicked four penalty goals, with the Waratahs' other points coming from inside centre Sam Harris, who scored in the 30th minute after scooping up a loose ball close to the Reds' line.

Television replays showed Harris did not ground the ball properly but he hurt his shoulder trying to place the ball.

Reds five-eighth Elton Flatley was also a casualty with a head cut, leaving Paul Warwick to play a significant role in his interstate debut.

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