Illawarra were blown away by an early Newcastle onslaught, as Country struggled against their City rivals in the representative weekend men's and women's showdowns.
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Newcastle had scored 18 points in as many minutes as Collegians Sports Complex on Sunday, with halfback AJ Davis and hooker Billy Gilbert cutting the Illawarra defence open.
It led to a 26-4 half-time lead, before Illawarra eventually succumbed 36-4.
The theme was similar for the Country team, which included Group Seven stars like Cameron Vazzoler and Sam Clune in the line-up, as they conceded 22 unanswered points in the first half before going down 38-12.
"It was tough, the Country boys are always physical," City playmaker Zac Greene, who sparked the early charge, told NSWRL.com.au.
"It was quick there at the start and they really made us work to get our first try and we got a few back-to-back there. The second half was much tougher by them, they just never give up."
Vazzoler and halfback Dane O'Hehir setup winger Chanse Perham in the 47th minute to offer Country hope at 22-6.
But their only other score would come through a consolation try to captain Jake Goodwin with six minutes remaining.
In the women's NSW Origin game, Jessica Sergis scored three tries for City in a 40-16 win over Country at Bankwest Stadium.
Down 24-4 at the break, Keeley Davis put Tayla Predebon over four minutes after the resumption for Country, but City would not be denied.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
