Touch football great Gavin Shuker leads Rockhampton’s extraordinary 11-player and coach contingent to another World Cup in England
An extraordinary 11 players and a coach from Rockhampton will represent Australia at the Touch Football World Cup in England later this month. Meet the representatives here, including a player considered one of the most dangerous attackers in the world.
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Queenslander Gavin Shuker considers it a privilege to play for Australia — and he know exactly how it feels.
The Rockhampton touch football great is limbering up for his seventh World Cup appearance this month.
He was in 2019 recognised as one of the best to have played the game in Australia in the past 50 years, something he described at the time as “unbelievable” and the greatest individual award he had received.
Shuker will co-captain the men’s 50s team at the largest ever World Cup, to be held in Nottingham, England, from July 15 to 21.
Australia’s 13 teams will be among about 190 representing 40-plus nations from every continent.
Rockhampton will have 10 other players and a coach at the international tournament.
Jayden Benbow, Jardel Bob, Jaymon Bob, Harry Griffin and Malcolm Kenny will play for the open men, Rachel Walsh the open women, Trevor Moran, Dave Zanette and Matt Gear the men’s 45s and Justin Loomans the men’s 45s.
Rockhampton Touch president Gary Benbow will make the trip as assistant coach for the men’s 35s.
Shuker has built one of the most decorated careers in the game, etching his name countless times in the history books since launching his international rep career in 1998.
But he is continually humbled by any opportunity to turn out for his country.
“It’s always a privilege to play for Australia and every time you pull on the green and gold jersey you feel you are representing friends and family,” he said.
“You also realise you are among a very small group who has the opportunity to do that in any given sport.”
Shuker added another entry to his impressive resume last month when inducted into the Australian Touch Association Hall of Fame.
He has 89 international caps across men’s open, mixed open and Masters divisions.
He holds, among others, the joint record for the most tries scored in a single World Cup with 36 at the 2011 event, the highest number of tries in one game and the highest number of tries for Australia at World Cups.
Meet Rockhampton’s other Australian stars below:
Harry Griffin (open men)
One of the most dangerous players in the world. With his sweeper play being direct and his length and drive, it makes defences second guess themselves. Coming back from an injury suffered against New Zealand last year, he will be keen to make an impression.
Jardel Bob (open men)
One of the most naturally gifted athletes you will meet. Light on his feet, he can turn a game in a heartbeat. Expect him to be better for his first run at the men’s open division last year. Sure to be one of the X-factors at the tournament.
Jaymon Bob (open men)
Has a great combination with his brother and, when on his game, can match it with anyone. Sharp on his feet and particularly dangerous when running into the line. Debuted last year and is sure to be ready for an outstanding campaign this year.
Mal Kenny (open men)
A professional winger who would be the fittest in the side, running as fast at the end of the game as he was in the first minute. Great communicator who has improved his finishing immensely over the past few years and always steps up in the big games.
Jayden Benbow (open men)
Outstanding in last year’s Trans-Tasman Series. Does a lot of the work that often goes unnoticed. A great defender who rucks well and off a sweeper and out of half, troubles defences with his pace. Played a lot of tournaments now and will be a key part in Australia securing the victory. Outstanding team player with attacking skills that can shock.
Rachel Walsh (women’s open)
Electric pace and a very good defender. Player of the Final in the Rockhampton A-grade decider and is improving all the time. Whole-hearted team player who will be keen for a strong showing in her first opens jersey after injury ruled her out last year.
Matt Gear (30s men)
Has been a standout in the local Masters competition, as well as the State Cup and National Touch League for Rockhampton and Central Queensland. Fully deserves his spot and, at this level, will be the ultimate team player and do his role to secure the victory. Solid defence and attack.
Dave Zanette (30s men)
Co-captain of the Australian team and to say he is passionate is an understatement. Rucks well and coming off an outstanding World Cup campaign last time will be leading the charge in getting another victory. Possesses a very good left-to-right passing game which will trouble a lot of the opposition.
Trevor Moran (30s men)
Dangerous winger who has significant experience at open, National Touch League and Origin and won’t let anyone down. Good talker and one of those people you don’t like having to playing against.
Justin Loomans (45s men)
Ex-NRL player who has come back to his touch roots to make his first Australian side. Natural speed that automatically troubles defenders and a willingness to do anything to win. Great team player.
Gary Benbow (assistant coach, 35s men)
An experienced coach of more than a decade, he has guided numerous teams, including Rockhampton and Central Queensland open men. His ability to get a side together is something a lot of coaches could learn from. Incredibly passionate and gets people to believe in themselves and become fully invested. Brings out the best in players and the Australian 35s will be a lot better having him on board.
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