Elite talents: 85+ stars of touch football set to shine at the Queensland State Cup
Queensland’s elite touch football talent will showcase their skills at the State Cup on the Gold Coast this weekend. We look at 85+ stars across all divisions who are set to make their mark on the big stage.
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Queensland’s elite touch football talent is set to descend on the Gold Coast for the state’s premier spectacle.
The Queensland State Cup gets underway on Friday at the Coomera Sports Park with men and women from teenagers through to those 60+ set to represent their home regions.
We take an in-depth look at the key talents who are set to shine with our 85+ players to watch this weekend.
MENS U20s
JACOB RICHTER (BRISBANE METRO)
Link
Southern Storm
Richter is one of the most exciting junior male players in the State. Having led the Philippines to an epic Semi Final win over international heavyweights NZ earlier in the year, Jacob’s leadership capabilities are well beyond his years. His dynamic attacking game will be on display for the BMTA Mustangs Men’s 20s side as he looks to use his speed, footwork and passing ability lead another young team to glory.
FLYNN KELSO, PATRICK CROW and SAM PENROSE (ROCKHAMPTON)
The trio boasts a healthy representation among state and national honours, with the right mix of speed, athleticism and defensive capabilities to take Rockhampton far in one of the most exciting divisions of the weekend.
WOMEN’S 20s
AMELITA CASE (KAWANA)
Middle
Amelita’s electric speed means she is capable of creating something out of nothing. She is great team player who works selflessly for others and is happy to perform whatever role is required for the team.
TAYLA O’SHANESY (KAWANA)
Link
Tayla has supreme fitness levels which means that she is able to get through a lot of hard work in the midfield. She is a hard runner capable of playing in multiple positions on the field and a valuable asset to any team she plays in.
EVIE CLARKSON (UQ REBELS)
Fresh off a stint playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls side at the National Youth Championships and was named as player of the final in the Metro Cup division one competition.
TESS NOTLEY (UQ REBELS)
The little sister of Jake and daughter of Scott, Tess hails from touch football royalty and has the skills to back it up with her exceptional speed and agility.
SOPHIE SMITH, LILLA PRATT and CAYDENCE FOURACRE (ROCKHAMPTON)
An elite mix of Queensland and Australian representation among the trio, with Caydence also an exceptional talent in rodeo.
MIXED 20s
JESSE BYRNE (KAWANA)
Middle
Jesse is an up-and-coming player with a great work ethic. He isn’t afraid to work hard in the midfield and is agile on the line.
KATE ELLEM (KAWANA)
Link
Kate is a natural athlete with great touch vision. Her speed off the mark and awesome balls skills makes her a dangerous player to defend.
JASMINE SMART (COOLUM)
Link
Backflow Pumping
Her speed and her ability to beat players one-on-one will make her a tough player for opposition sides to contain.
TEJAY ELSON (COOLUM)
Middle
Raptors and Mavericks
His blinding speed makes him a valuable asset. If Tejay gets into space, it’s safe to say no one will catch him.
MEN’S PREMIER
JUSTIN OTTO (KAWANA)
Middle
Justin is a very experienced player. His speed and agility coupled with his natural ability to read the game and dictate play makes him an exciting player to watch.
CONNOR HARVEY (KAWANA)
Middle
Connor is one of Kawana’s most skilful and agile players. His craftiness and guile combined with his calm temperament make him an asset to any team.
NICK VENESS (COOLUM)
Middle
Drifters
A key part of his skill set is being able to long balls from both sides efficiently, making him a very dangerous player.
KYE VINCITORIO (COOLUM)
Middle/Link
Raptors and Mavericks
Kye is deceptively quick and has an awesome left to right pass which he often uses to put his wingers into space.
SAM CARMODY (TOOWOOMBA)
Middle
Saints and Country Club
The current Queensland mixed opens captain and will lead Toowoomba this weekend. A great leader and team person, has great vision with the ball and is light on his feet. Excellent defender.
BLAISE PRENDERGAST (TOOWOOMBA)
Middle
Roosters and Southern Storm
One of the best young talents in Queensland and the current Queensland Schoolboys and Australian U18s captain. Is super fast with great footwork and throws a great long ball. Has it all.
JAMES HEGEDUS (UQ REBELS)
The captain of the side and one of the most exciting players in the game at the moment, having made his debut for the Australian mixed opens side in April.
JAKE NOTLEY (UQ REBELS)
Possesses incredible speed and agility, knows how to find the tryline and debuted for the Australian men’s open side earlier this year.
JAMES COURNTEY (UQ REBELS)
Returning from injury and is regarded by some as the best finisher in the game at the moment. Another who earned his maiden Australian jersey alongside Notley.
WOMEN’S PREMIER
KIM SUE SEE (BROTHERS)
Link
The current Australian Open Women’s captain, it’s not hard to see why Sue See shapes as one of the big guns of her division. A dangerous player who will be pushing for MVP honours.
BRITTNEY BROWN (BROTHERS)
Link
Plays at the Brothers club in both touch and rugby, and is a QAS Rugby Sevens representative as well. A strong competitor who adds a lot to this side.
TAYLA SYKES (BRISBANE METRO)
Middle
Southern Storm
Tayla is one of the most dynamic young players in the Women’s Premier division, this cross-code superstar has represented Australia in 7s, is currently on a development contract with the Brisbane Broncos NRLW side and has represented Australia in Touch Football. Tayla brings a unique combination of speed, strength, agility and one of the best long balls in the game, making her a key attacking weapon for the BMTA Mustangs in the Women’s Premier division.
CHLOE NIKOLA (BRISBANE METRO)
Link
Southern Storm
Despite being a younger player, Nikola brings a wealth of experience to the BMTA Mustangs Premier side having represented Queensland and Australia. One of the most reliable players in the division, look for her excellent rucking, defence, line running and leadership skills to help steer the team around the park and keep an eye out for her key combination with sister Charli in attack.
LUCEANA DEAKIN (COOLUM)
Middle
Tinky Winkies
Luceana brings experience to the team and she is a great communicator, always helping her teammates whenever needed.
MONIQUE ROBINSON (COOLUM)
Middle/Link
Chicks Having Fun
Monique is deceptively quick and controls the game really well. She has the versatility to play in two key positions.
INDIE RANFORD (TOOWOOMBA)
Link
Indie is an up and coming young player who has come through the junior system of Toowoomba. She has the never give up attitude, a hard work ethic and brings her own brand of attacking flair to the team.
LAURA FRY (TOOWOOMBA)
Middle
Laura is also an up and coming young player who has come through the Junior system of Toowoomba. She is the ultimate ‘touchie’ who has an incredible eye for attack and if you leave her some space, she will make you pay.
TEGAN TAYLOR (TOOWOOMBA)
Middle
Tegan brings a lot of experience to this team. She is a keen attacker with a box of skills in her back pocket. She will be a leader of organising the attack for this young team.
SAMMY-JO CURTIS (UQ REBELS)
The captain of the defending champions and an Australian open women’s representative. Has outstanding leadership and shows a willingness to do a job for the team.
REBECCA MI MI (UQ REBELS)
An Australian open women’s player and is coming into this on the back of winning the Sally Urquhart Medal (player of the match) in the Metro Cup decider. Her fitness is second to none.
TIARNI BRYCE (UQ REBELS)
Another vital part of the Australian open women’s team, Tiarni has an excellent left to right pass.
HINERANGI ANDREASSEND (UQ REBELS)
The Queensland open women’s player has recently returned from the birth of her first child. Has been in excellent form through the Metro Cup and is primed for the State Cup.
MIXED PREMIER
SCOTT PRINCE (BROTHERS)
Link
The current Broncos NRLW coach and former Broncos and Titans legend has been a long-time touch player at the elite level. Brings a level of poise and skill, and is sure to be one of the most popular players on the Gold Coast.
SHARNI AQUILI (KAWANA)
Link
Sharni is a young player stepping up to the challenge in her first representative side. Sharni brings very high levels of energy and intensity to the team and is a strong finisher.
LUKE BEEHAG (KAWANA)
Middle
Luke is a talented player who can read the game and quickly adapt his play in response. His ability to steer the team and lead by example has led to his role as team captain.
ISAAC VINCITORIO (COOLUM)
Middle
Raptors and Mavericks
Isaac is the workhorse of the team and does all the little things right to help his team get on the front foot.
ZAYNE MILLER (COOLUM)
Middle
Raptors
Floats around the field and seems like he has so much time to make decisions. Quick on his feet.
REBECCA GOULDING (COOLUM)
Link
Dolphins and Mavericks
Her footwork is second to none and her ability to find space will be a big reason why Coolum can go far this weekend.
BLAKE HORNBROOK (BUNDABERG)
Middle
Was recently selected to play for the New Zealand Men’s 30s team at next year’s World Cup, such is his ability.
RILEY DINGLE and WILL HAMILTON (BUNDABERG)
Link
Both are well credentialed links who bring plenty of speed to the side, as well as vital junior reps experience.
MEN OPEN
NICK VERRENCAMP (IPSWICH)
Middle/Link/Wing
South West Swans, Country Club Colts
Hailing from Ipswich Touch Football royalty, Nick has lived and breathed touch his whole life. He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the paddock. His knowledge of the game and ability to read play makes him solid in both defence and attack. When he’s not playing touch football, he’ll be donning the whites and pursuing his interest in cricket.
COREY SHERMAN (IPSWICH)
Middle
South West Swans
Also benefiting from touch footballing genetics, Corey’s father, Jeff, represented Australia, and mother Leanne played for Queensland. Quick and agile, his fleet-footedness, and great game awareness will ask questions of the opponent’s defence. When not playing touch, Corey is wearing the blue and white of Brothers’ in the Ipswich A Grade Rugby League.
DAMON MOORE, JAYDEN BENBOW and CLANCY HOHN (ROCKHAMPTON)
We’ve seen Moore and Benbow ply their trade for Australia over the journey, and Hohn is a to-line rugby league talent who is shining in the touch form. Three crucial pieces to this side.
WOMEN OPEN
ELLA TAYLOR (IPSWICH)
Talented and inspirational leader. Has a massive motor who will ruck, attack and defend all day. Grew up in regional QLD but took her touch to the next level once she joined Ipswich touch. Look out for her massive left foot step that will leave many defenders grasping thin air. She lives and breathes touch and will be disappointed with anything but going all the way. The type of player everyone wants to play with.
JADE HOOPER (IPSWICH)
Will be the Ipswich Falcons open women’s weapon in 2023. Blessed with blistering speed who loves to defend. The type of player who once realises her potential can trouble all sides. The prediction for the 2023 State Cup is that Jade will be the leading try scorer for the Falcons.
TANIKA NEWTON (IPSWICH)
Tanika will be the player everyone will be talking about post state cup. A naturally gifted footy player who plays unconventional exciting touch. Very athletic player with great ball skills, she will have many defensive lines under pressure. Can step off both feet with a great long ball. She loves to attack from anywhere on the field – a true footy player.
MIXED OPEN
KEVIN CHOW (HONG KONG A)
Middle/Link
Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch
As one of the youngest members of Phoenix Touch, Kevin Chow has demonstrated remarkable potential and skills in touch rugby. Despite beginning the sport relatively late and having only two years of experience, Kevin’s versatility allows him to excel in any position, yet he prefers to play in the middle, where he can leverage his speed and fitness to create scoring opportunities for his team. With his agility, explosive acceleration, strong understanding of the game, and clear communication, Kevin showcases an aptitude for making pivotal decisions under pressure and accurately executing plays, making him an invaluable asset to his club.
ANSON LAU (HONG KONG A)
Link
Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch
With just one year of playing experience in Touch Football, Anson Lau has proved himself to be a speedster with serious potential and a promising player to watch. With a shrewd step and quick feet, you’ll often see Anson breach the defensive line on the field. His dynamic weaving through opposition defences marks him as an exhilarating player to watch in the tournament.
BANANA CHIU (HONG KONG A)
Link
Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch
Banana Chiu, a captain of the Pillar Sports Phoenix Griffins and a dedicated player of Kowloon Rugby Football Club, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the field. Displaying remarkable vision and exceptional ball-handling skills, Banana emerges as an influential figure in the game. Additionally, she plays an integral role in upholding team discipline and fostering high team spirits. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure, coupled with her encouraging positivity greatly contributes to the team’s dynamic.
IVY FONG (HONG KONG B)
Link
Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch
Ivy Fong is a captain for Phoenix Touch and a dominant key player for the Hong Kong Representative Women’s Open team. With an impressive tally of over 50 caps in representing Hong Kong, Ivy brings strategic gameplay and exceptional skills to the field. Her commanding presence makes her a formidable force to be reckoned with and establishes her as a standout player to keep an eye on.
VICTORIA WONG (HONG KONG B)
Link
Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch
As a dominant player for the Hong Kong Representative Women’s Open team, a captain for Phoenix Touch and an experienced player for the Kowloon Rugby Football Club, Victoria Wong has a noteworthy array of credentials under her belt. Victoria is a multifaceted player with incredible vision and skill, often catching her opponents off guard with her precise execution of long passes and dives during offensive plays. Equally impressive on defence, she demonstrates exceptional defensive awareness and positioning, effectively disrupting and neutralising opposition attacking strategies. These abilities strongly establish her reputation as a game-changer on the field.
MIKEY WU (HONG KONG B)
Middle/Link
Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch
Mikey Wu has recently represented Hong Kong for Mens Mixed 30s and had previously competed as part of the Hong Kong Mixed Opens team. His sidestepping and explosive speed consistently enable him to generate scoring opportunities seemingly out of thin air during games. Mikey’s swift reflexes, explosiveness and sharp footwork empower him to masterfully out manoeuverer defenders, showcasing not only his offensive prowess but also his knack for creating openings in the defensive line – cementing his status as a competitive contender in the field.
MEN’S 30s
PETER SYKES (TOOWOOMBA)
Middle
Sharks Touch Club
A strong attacker who is just as adept in defence, holding things down in the middle of the field.
MARK ASHLEY (TOOWOOMBA)
Middle
Sharks Touch Club
In a similar vein to Sykes, Ashley is strong on both sides of the ball and is able to get his side going forward.
CAMPBELL MCINTOSH (TOOWOOMBA)
Link
Saints Touch Club
An extremely fit link who can put his outside man into open space. One of the premier defenders in Toowoomba.
MATT GEAR, TRENT NEVEN and GRANT WILLIAMS (ROCKHAMPTON)
Three players with a wealth of experience in competition play and who are set to lead from the front this weekend.
VINCENT LIM (SINGAPORE)
Middle
Vincent is a great diver. He is deceivingly calm and composed but creates impact on the finish. The captain of the team.
WILLIAM HU (SINGAPORE)
Link
William is a strong driver and the team’s vice captain. He possesses a good long ball pass and shows good footwork and balance.
WOMEN’S 30s
CANDICE HIGGINS, BRITT EDWARDS and JUDE BUST (BUNDABERG)
The trio is looking to use the tournament as a warm-up for the NTL’s in Coffs Harbour in March. Jude has represented Queensland in recent times in the Women’s 45s and brings a wealth of experience to the team.
MIXED 30s
BEN HONES (COOLUM)
Middle
Ackerman & Barkle and Drifters
Ben is an agile player who is fast off the mark, allowing Coolum to get plenty of go forward and make metres.
MARY WALKER (COOLUM)
Link
Drifters
Mary’s speed is a big asset for the team but also the way she can control the game is a big help. She is calm.
MEN’S 40s
LINDSAY MEDLEY, ADAM LOVETT and MATTHEW CHURCHILL (BUNDABERG)
They’re looking to steer the team around with their experience and know what it takes to be successful in tournament style touch.
WOMEN’S 40s
PETA ROGERSON (KAWANA)
Middle
Peta is the ultimate leader on and off the field as the captain of the team, that combined with her knowledge of the game makes her an outstanding player.
GISELLE MARTIN (KAWANA)
Link
Giselle has the ability to turn a match with her attacking abilities. She is a great team player and motivator.
JENNA TAYLOR, KARA WANN and HANNAH ARNDT (TOOWOOMBA)
The three sisters have all been coached by Karley Banks throughout their youth and are still playing together in over 40s. They have won multiple premierships and represented Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, SWQ Swans and Queensland, with Kara making the leap to Australia.
MEN’S 45s
NATHAN MARTIN (KAWANA)
Link
Nathan has so much knowledge of the game and is a calming presence on the field at all times. His ability to read a game and act on opportunities when they arise is a great skill set to have in any team.
ROB MAARSEVEEN (KAWANA)
Middle
Rob is a workhorse and is always there in defence and attack. He is the type of player everyone enjoys playing alongside.
GAVIN SHUKER and JUSTIN LOOMANS (ROCKHAMPTON)
Loomans is a former first grade player with both the Cowboys and Rabbitohs, and still has that competitive flair. Shuker needs no introduction as one of touch footy’s best ever to lace them up.
MEN’S 60s
MARK HOTHAM (COUNTIES MANUKAU)
Middle/Link
Putaruru New Zealand
Played his 50th game for his country at the 2019 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in the NZ Men’s 50s gold medal winning team Currently trialling for Men’s 55s for 2024 World Cup
Has played the game for over 40 years and he is often chosen as Captain for his team due to his ability to provide a calm hand when things get hectic Has immense respect from everyone who has played for or against him. An unsung contributor in all the teams he has been involved in but becomes lethal when being in charge of the ‘fines session’ after each tournament.
GRAEME O’CALLAGHAN (COUNTIES MANUKAU)
Link/Middle
Several club teams in Christchurch NZ
Started playing the game in 2007 and represented his country in the trans-Tasman in the 45 and 50 grade in 2010 and 2013. A great technician of the game and is always one of the top performers in any team he plays for through leading by example. A great teammate who is always prepared to part his knowledge of the game to his fellow players.
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