Toowoomba touch stars ready to shine for Queensland

Toowoomba's latest Queensland touch football stars eager to win nationals.

STATE REPS: Touch players (from left) Georgia Bartlett, Ben Moore, Matilda Leicht and Ryan Ward will represent Queensland at the national titles in Hobart. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TOUCH FOOTBALL: Another group of young stars is ready to affirm Toowoomba's reputation as a touch football powerhouse.

Georgia Bartlett, Ben Moore, Matilda Leicht and Ryan Ward are the latest in a long line of touch footballers ready to represent the Garden City on the national stage.

Named in Queensland's under-15 sides, they will travel to Hobart next week for the national championships.

All four have represented their state before but are no less excited about their latest call-up.

"It's always an honour to play for your state,” Ryan Ward said.

"This will be my second time playing for Queensland and I love it - it's exciting.”

Playing at middle, Ward believes communication will be the key to victory.

"It's really important you communicate well with your team-mates,” Ward said.

"You have to watch what's going on around you and talk a lot.”

Making Ward's job a little easier will be the fact he will line-up alongside friend Ben Moore who also plays middle.

"I've played with Ryan a lot,” Moore said.

"It will certainly makes things a little easier having him there. I love playing at this level - you learn a lot and it helps improve your game.”

Lining up for Queensland U15 girls team, Matilda Leicht and Georgia Bartlett share two very important goals.

Both girls want to beat arch rivals New South Wales on the way to winning the title.

"I was in the under-12 team when we won it,” Leicht said.

"I'm not sure why but I'm more excited to be playing this time round.

"It's always a great experience and if we could smash New South Wales on the way it'd be great.

"Personally I'll just focus on playing my natural game, sticking to the things I do best.”

Bartlett will also focus on her natural game.

"It helps having a friend (Matilda) in the team,” Bartlett said.

"But I'm also looking forward to making new friends and mixing with the team.

"I think as long as we all play our games and communicate we will be in with a good shot.

"As always New South Wales will be the biggest threat.

"It'd be nice to beat them and win the championship as well.”

Originally published as Toowoomba touch stars ready to shine for Queensland