But the real winner from the match was Armidale Hospital which will gain the funds raised from the legends match to improve its facilities. Promoter Troy Byers preferred not to provide a rough estimate of how much money was tallied until an exact figure is determined.

He did hint he’d be back in town in coming weeks though to formally announce the figure and present a cheque to the Hospital.

More than 3000 footy fans saw Queensland turnaround a 16-12 half time deficit to win 38-28 in a match where the legends showed they’ve still got it. Dark clouds that loomed near the kick-off of the legends game also moved on to cap what was a tremendous day of rugby league and community interaction.

The only sour note was Queensland forward Steve Jackson’s dislocated shoulder which happened halfway into the match, which ironically , needed treatment at the facility the funds were being raised for.

Queensland’s Mat Rogers said he was delighted he was able to play his first legends match.

"It was a real treat to raise money for the Hospital here I’m really happy they’ll benefit from the match here," he said.

"It was a great turnout, it’s been a lot of fun hanging out with all these other guys I looked up to as well."

The match, played in four 20-minute quarters saw NSW skip out to a 16-6 lead after tries to Denis Moran, Walcha’s Michael Aspinall and Aaron Raper.

Queensland soon hit back through Matt Rogers to trail 16-12 before NSW’s best player Scott Hill strolled through the Maroons defence to push the Blues’ lead to 20-12 early in the third quarter.

Quick tries to Queensland backs Colin Scott, Kerry Boustead and Stu Kelly soon saw Queensland hit the lead for the first time just before three quarter time 26-22.

Two further tries early in the fourth quarter from Sean Hoppe and Matt Rogers proved enough for Queensland as they stretched their lead to 38-22 until a late try from NSW centre Jamie Feeney reduced the final margin to 10 points.

NSW coach Max Krilich said a number of errors in try scoring positions hurt his side.

"We had our chances, we didn’t take them in the first quarter," he said.

"We probably bombed four or five tries. I thought Scott Hill did a lot of good things for us tonight, but most importantly Armidale Hospital will benefit from tonight," he said.

Queensland forward Martin Lang was another to praise the nature of the match.

"The funds are definitely going to a worthy cause," he said.

"It’s great for us too, catching up with guys who we haven’t seen a while. I really enjoyed being out there with the guys."

Armidale mechanic Bill Dexter won’t forget his stint in a Queensland jersey after winning a spot in the side through a 2AD bid. Dexter, early in the first quarter charged on a pass close to the line and was set to score before tearing his hamstring inches from the tryline. He told The Express that despite the injury he had a blast playing in the Maroons jersey.

"They (QLD legends) are all a good bunch of blokes," he said. "It was a bit daunting seeing a few big guys in the Blues outfit and having to run at them but it was a lot of fun."