Storm bound five-eighth Shaun Nona helped the Northern Pride to a 32-28 victory in the inaugural NRL State Championship on Sunday.
The 24-year old playmaker was busy early, setting up two tries and helping the Queensland Cup outfit take an early lead over the Panthers. In a tense contest, Nona's two goals also proved crucial as his side defeated NSW Cup Champions Penrith by just four points.
Northern Pride 32
Tries: Javid Bowen 3, Semi Tadulala, Tyrone McCarthy, Blake Leary
Goals: Shaun Nona 2, Javid Bowen
Defeated
Penrith Panthers 28
Tries: Luke Capewell, Eto Nabuli, Waqa Blake, Kieran Moss, Kierran Moseley
Goals: Wes Naiqama 4
