Rivalry Renewed: Touch Football State of Origin Returns to Coffs Harbour in 30th Anniversary

One of Touch Football’s fiercest rivalries will be renewed this week when the Touch Football State of Origin (SOO) series returns to Coffs Harbour – marking its 30^th anniversary since NSW Touch Association and QLD Touch Football launched the concept in 1995.

Last held in 2022, the bi-annual contest will see C.ex Coffs International Stadium host yet another Touch Football event across two days of action – with the SOO series postponed from 2024 due to the realignment of the Federation of International Touch (FIT) World Cup held in England that year. In its sixteenth iteration, the SOO series will welcome the best Touch players from New South Wales and Queensland in interstate best-of-three battles.

Coffs Harbour will welcome back familiar faces less than a month after hosting Touch Football participants nationwide for The Championships, further stamping its claims as the spiritual home of the sport. Thirty-six teams across eighteen divisions will compete in Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Opens, as well as aged divisions from 20s to 60s – highlighting the sport’s mass participation across Australia.

The event will showcase Touch Football’s elite in what’s considered the toughest domestic tournament on Australian soil. A host of Athelite Australian Emus, Touch Football’s Australian national representatives, will be featured from both states in what promises to be a scintillating tournament.

NRL legends Steve Menzies, Cliff Lyons, and Rod Silva highlight this year’s event with their appearances, with several NRLW and NRL players previously donning the Touch Football sky blue and maroon – showcasing the sport’s pathways and opportunities – including Jillaroos Tamika Upton and Emma Verran (nee Tonegato), the Dolphins’ Kurt Donoghoe, and the Bulldogs’ Bailey Hayward.

New South Wales enters the series as the reigning champions having held the coveted SOO shield since 2004 in nine consecutive series and will look to extend their legacy with another strong performance. However, the competition between the states is closer than the result indicates, with Queensland winning eight of seventeen divisions on offer at the 2022 event – including all three Open divisions.

NSW Touch Association General Manager, Dean Russell said:

“We’re incredibly excited to host the 30^th anniversary of the Touch Football State of Origin series in Coffs Harbour – a region with a proud tradition of hosting elite sporting events. The atmosphere is building and it’s fantastic to see so much local and statewide support behind the NSW teams.

“Having held the shield since 2004, there’s a strong sense of pride and determination within the Blues camp to continue that legacy. This event showcases the athleticism, speed, skill, and spirit of Touch Football at its best, and we’re looking forward to an unforgettable series.”

QLD Touch Football CEO, Greg Denny said:

“Queensland can’t wait to head down to Coffs Harbour to celebrate the 30^th year of State of Origin. Queenslanders are passionately proud, and we are excited to take the victory like we did thirty years ago.

“State of Origin is the best of the best and Queenslanders love a challenge, and there is none bigger than winning the series in enemy territory. It was a nail-biting finish last time around and we’ll be doing everything to reclaim the shield and return it home to Queensland in 2025.

“It’s been a few years since we have claimed the State of Origin trophy, but I am confident our Queensland teams will do everything in their power to return the title to Queensland in 2025.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams said:

“We have become a natural home for Touch Football and are delighted to be chosen to host this year’s State of Origin series.

“The C.ex Coffs International Stadium is engineered for excellence with a superior playing surface and premier spectator experience. Add the central location nestled alongside our renowned sweeping beaches and it’s a winner for the Origin players, officials, and supporters.”

The event is being held at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, NSW from Friday, 20 June to Saturday, 21 June 2025.

Fans can watch the event exclusively live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand, and Sky Sport Next in other global territories.

The 2025 Touch Football State of Origin series is proudly supported by City of Coffs Harbour.