The 2025 Queensland Touch Football Junior State Cup has concluded, with this year’s event in Rockhampton bringing thousands of participants together for an incredible celebration of touch football.
With more than 4,000 participants representing 252 teams from 28 affiliates, the 2025 event showcased not only the talent of Queensland’s young “touchies” but also the power of sport in bringing communities together.
Queensland Touch Football CEO Greg Denny said that the three-day event was a great celebration of touch football.
“It was incredible to see Rockhampton come alive for the largest Junior State Cup in our history,” he said.
“We extend a massive thank you to Rockhampton Regional Council and Rockhampton Touch Association for helping us deliver an outstanding Junior State Cup in Rockhampton,” Greg continued.
On the field, there were battles aplenty as teams competed to be crowned the 2025 Junior State Cup Champions.
The 18 Girls final between UQ Rebels and Gold Coast was an arm wrestle, with UQ leading 1-0 at half-time before tries to Imogen Murphy and Mia Brown in the second half steered UQ to victory over an admirable Gold Coast. Player of the final and QLD Women’s 20s player, Evie Clarkson, was instrumental in UQ getting over the line, showing her talent and work ethic right throughout the tournament.
In the 18 Boys final, it was a closely fought contest, with Arana defeating Rockhampton 7–5. The victory was a special one for Arana, who had fallen short in the 2024 grand final against a strong Gold Coast side. This year, Gold Coast was defeated by Rockhampton in the semi-final, highlighting the strength of all teams in this age group and the high-quality competition across our state.
Player of the final, Jontaye Brown, who scored two instrumental tries in the second half, credited the team for a thrilling victory.
“This is an awesome feeling,” he said. “All of the boys really dug deep,” he continued.
Beyond the excitement amongst all participants was a sense of pride in being able to represent their team and affiliate, along with their effort.
“I am super proud of the boys,” said Gold Coast Under 10 Boys Coach, Eugene Paniora.
“And really, this result comes down to the parents of the boys; it really does come down to the parents in terms of driving their work ethic,” said a beaming Paniora.
Damien Tan, who coached the Under 12 Redlands team, praised the long-term planning and commitment of his team. “It’s been a long build for this group, almost two years, so I’m really proud of the effort the players and parents have put in.”
Huge congratulations to Carter Skinner from Gold Coast Touch Association and Jayda Little from Redlands Touch Association on winning the Scott Notley and Kerry Norman awards, respectively.
The Scott Notley and Kerry Norman winners are recognised for more than just performance; they acknowledge players who have shown loyalty, leadership, and integrity both on and off the field.
Also, congratulations and thank you to the 200+ referees who travelled to Rockhampton to make the event possible. Many young referees gained valuable experience officiating high-level games, supported and mentored by some of Queensland’s most experienced officials. Their commitment and teamwork ensured a fair, safe, and enjoyable competition for everyone on the field.
Congratulations to the referee award winners:
- Male Referee of the Championship: Bailey Sloman
- Female Referee of the Championship: Bree-Anne Lo Grande
- Male Junior Referee Encouragement Award: Cooper Lawrence
- Female Junior Referee Encouragement Award: Mila Griffith
2025 JUNIOR STATE CUP CHAMPIONS
U10 Girls Challenge – Gold Coast
U10 Boys Challenge – Gold Coast
U12 Girls Challenge – Gold Coast
U12 Boys Challenge – Redlands
U14 Girls Championship – Rockhampton
U14 Boys Championship – Rockhampton
U14 Girls Challenge – Kawana
U14 Boys Challenge – Kawana
U16 Girls Championship – Redlands
U16 Boys Championship – Palm Beach
U16 Girls Challenge – BMTA
U16 Boys Challenge – Gold Coast
U18 Girls – UQ Rebels
U18 Boys – Arana
2025 AFFILIATE CHAMPIONS
Large Affiliate of the Year:
Gold Coast Touch Association
Medium Affiliate of the Year:
Kawana Touch Association
Small Affiliate of the Year:
Dalby Touch Association
Thanks to Rockhampton regional council for their support in the 2025 Junior State Cup
