Brett Rankin from Queensland clearly feels comfortable in the heat of the Northern Territory after posting a sizzling first round of 7-under 64 at the Palmerston Pro-am.

With his
nearest competitor Dimitrios
Papadatos from Newcastle (NSW) just two shots back after
shooting a  very
 respectable
 66  tomorrow’s  final  round  may
 just  turn  into
 the
 prelude
 of Wednesday’s State of Origin decider.
 

"That’s a great score
out there today," said Papadatos,

"He’s a
good mate, but this week there’s a little extra sting in seeing a Queenslander at the top of the
leaderboard,  I’ll
be doing everything I can
tomorrow to make sure that Rankin doesn’t have it
all his own way."

Overhearing this comment and clearly enjoying the banter, Rankin let Papadatos know that his
round today, "was no one off like NSW’s win
last year!"  

Rankin has played well across his short stint in
WA and NT this season already posting a second place in Port Hedland.

"I really
enjoyed it out there
today and look forward to what comes tomorrow,
hopefully I
can go just one better," said
Rankin. 

"Just like QLD will this Wednesday, I’m looking forward to going the distance," added
Rankin.

Not to be outdone South Australia’s Max McCardle the current Choice Hotels WA / NT Order of Merit leader produced another
consistent score of four under 67 to stay in contention.