They would have been forgiven for thinking the under 15 age group might have done a bit better against those north of the border.

But as much as some things change, others stay the same.

In Friday’s final, which wrapped up six days of showcasing the best rugby league players in country, New South Wales Combined High Schools suffered the same fate as their more senior counterparts have for nine of the last 10 years.

Queensland defeated NSWCHS 16-10 in an enthralling final and organisers are already planning on bringing the next schoolboy tournament to Port Macquarie.

After the final, Wauchope High School’s David Hollis was selected in the Australian Merit Squad as his development continues.

NSWCHS teammates Elliot Moaga, Sam Hooper, Aaron Schoupp, Jaron Purcell and Braiden Magele will also pull on the green and gold.

David Whittock, who ran the week alongside Paul Walsh, said it was a hugely successful week.

“The one major thing which stood out for me was that throughout the whole week I did not receive one complaint from a player, manager or coach about anything or the way the tournament was run,” Whittock said.

“That in itself says something about the town because I say this without fear – Port Macquarie runs as good of a championship as anywhere in Australia.”

Whittock said the Regional Stadium venue was also as good as anywhere else in the country and plans are in place to bring the under 18 age division to the area in two years time.

But Port Macquarie could receive hot competition from Coffs Harbour.

Amazingly, if anyone is superstitious, they may not want the championships to be held in Port Macquarie.

“NSWCHS haven’t won here in five attempts,” Whittock said.

Organisers were also thrilled at the improvement some of the states who aren’t rugby league strongholds, such as South Australia, had made.

“Previously they had sometimes gotten to a point in the match where they would relent a bit, but in most if not all of their matches, they were in it for the fight,” Whittock said.

“I think maybe that has to do with the development and programs they have in place over there which is encouraging.”

He said the success of the tournament wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many people.

“We’ve got the most co-operative council and the people of the valley are also to be congratulated for supporting the event,” Whittock said.