Premier stars in inaugural Players vs Pollies soccer game

A state’s leader carried his team to glory in the inaugural Players versus Pollies soccer game played under dramatic last-minute rule changes.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has strapped on his soccer boots and carried his team to a blazing 7-4 victory in the inaugural A-Leagues Players and Pollies match, with the Labor Leader scoring a hat-trick.

The players vs pollies concept was swapped ahead of the opening whistle to mixed teams to even the playing field, while off-side laws also weren’t observed.

“It’s no longer a pollies versus professionals game because we’d get absolutely thumped and we have egos to protect,” Mr Minns said before the game.

Premier Chris Minns was a star performer in the inaugural A-Leagues Players vs Pollies match at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The Premier captained the red team alongside Water Minister Rose Jackson, while his Sport Minister Steve Kamper manned the blue team. Federal member for Reid Sally Sitou, state MP for Prospect Hugh McDermott and NSW Upper House councillor Taylor Martin also played.

The politicians were aided by professional players from the Newcastle Jets (Murphy Agney and Lucy Johnson), Western Sydney Wanderers (Bethany Gordon, Amy Chessari and Ella Abdul Massih) and Melissa Barbieri from Melbourne City.

Water Minister Rose Jackson and Sports Minister Steve Kamper also played. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The Premier took his team to a 7-4 victory. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Minns scored a hat-trick of goals. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

While Mr Minns scored a brace of goals for his side, Mr Kamper suffered a few blows from the ball, but carried on playing for the full duration of the match.

The game marks 60 days from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The tournament’s final will take place at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on August 20.

Ahead of the women’s Liberty A-League Grand Final on Sunday afternoon, which will feature Sydney FC and Melbourne’s Western United at CommBank Stadium, Mr Minns called on people to get behind the sport.

“Women’s football is a massive sport in terms of participation in NSW and the professional leagues are getting bigger and better every single year,” Mr Minns said.

The Premier also encouraged people to support the Women’s World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

He also called on families to head to the Women’s World Cup games, dubbing the tournament the “biggest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics”.

“We’re thrilled NSW is hosting a large number of the games and my big message to mums and dads who have young girls who are playing football in NSW competitions is to get out to these games and see professionals in action,” he said.

“It will be one of the best sporting events you go to.”

Originally published as Premier stars in inaugural Players vs Pollies soccer game