Queensland got its Super U20s title defence off to the perfect start, with a 30-13 win over last year’s grand finalists, the Rebels.
The Rebels opened the scoring with a penalty but it was Queensland captain Liam Wright who notched the first try, giving the Reds the upper hand in the fifth minute.
Melbourne answered almost immediately but a series of Harry Nucifora penalty goals kept the Reds at an arm length.
Any sniff the Rebels had of victory were snuffed out when Queensland winger Sam Edwards raced through to score an intercept try under the posts.
Queensland second rower Harry Hockings looked to have sealed the win before the second half even began, going over in the 38th minute.
Two penalties were the only additions to the score line in the second half as the Reds ran out 27-point victors.
RESULT
Queensland Reds U20s 30
Tries: Wright, Edwards, Hockings
Cons: Nucifora 2
Pens: Nucifora 3
Melbourne Rebels U20s 13
Tries: 6'
Cons:Goddard
Pens: Goddard 2