27 Rockhampton Touch players vying for State of Origin selection
Jayden Benbow is keen to don the maroon for a seventh straight State of Origin series. He explains why Rockhampton is such a breeding ground for elite-level touch players as we reveal the list of those in contention.
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He’s no stranger to national duty but for touch star Jayden Benbow, playing in the game’s State of Origin series is the ultimate.
“Origin, in our sport, much like rugby league, is the pinnacle,” he enthused.
“It’s the best of the best.
“From a competitive standpoint, it’s the toughest level of touch there is, and you always want to do the jersey proud.”
And he’s speaking from experience.
Benbow has played in six series and is looking to secure his place in the Queensland open men’s team for a fifth consecutive time when he heads to the trials in January.
He is among 27 Rockhampton representatives vying for selection in 10 of the 18 divisions that will be contested at the event in Coffs Harbour in June.
Benbow said it was incredible to have such strong representation from Rockhampton Touch, which has established a reputation for churning out champions.
He attributes the success to the players who selflessly give back to the sport.
“It comes down to those who have once represented at high levels giving back to younger players and helping them get to where they want to be,” he said.
“Everyone is willing to help each other out.”
Benbow is forever grateful for the help he received on his playing journey, which started when he was five years old.
“My goal from when I was younger was to play for Queensland and Australia in the open men’s team,” he said.
“I had a few guys like Gavin Shuker and Dan Withers who had been part of those teams that I looked up to.
“Seeing them achieve what they did from a regional area really made me want to do it too.”
Benbow broke into his first Origin team - the under 20s - in 2012.
Then followed one series in the mixed division before realising his goal of making the open men’s line-up.
Australian selection soon followed his Queensland debut and he has been a regular in the green and gold.
In his most recent outing in the green and gold, he helped the open men’s team to a memorable victory at the World Cup in England in July.
A gifted middle, Benbow has a strong “team first” mentality and considers his ability to read the game one of his greatest strengths.
He loves everything about touch and appreciates that it has given him so much, including lasting friendships and incredible memories.
“Success is great but there are other things you remember, such as the people you meet and the relationships you build.
“That’s what keeps me coming back.
“I’m 31 now but I haven’t put a timeframe on when my career will end.
“As long as I feel I can compete at the top level, I want to be playing there.”
Rocky reps headed to Origin trials
Women’s open: Rachel Walsh
Women’s 20s: Kaliah Bob, Lilla Pratt, Tahlia Shuker, Sophie Smith
Men’s 20s: Liam Barnes, Riley Earnshaw, Curtis Seierup
Men’s open: Bailey Assay, Jayden Benbow, Zayne Cox, Lachlan Crow, Harry Griffin, Braydon Hegarty, Flynn Kelso, Malcolm Kenny, Damon Moore
Men’s 30s: Matt Gear, Dave Zanette
Men’s 35s: Mitch Smith
Men’s 40s: Trevor Moran
Men’s 55s: Craig Hookey
Men’s 45s: Bobby Cox, Ross Edwards, Grant Williams
Men’s 50s: Justin Loomans, Gavin Shuker
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