Queensland is set to reclaim home-ground advantage, with Touch Football State of Origin returning to the Sunshine State for the first time since 2018.
Queensland Touch Football, along with NSW Touch Football, is pleased to announce that the 2027 Touch Football State of Origin series will be held in Queensland at Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club on the Gold Coast on 11–12 June 2027.
After the past three series were played in New South Wales, the sport’s ultimate interstate rivalry heads back to Queensland. Queensland and New South Wales will compete across 19 divisions, with the nations best players taking the field at the Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club and Burleigh Bears Junior Rugby League Club on the Gold Coast.
As the pinnacle of representative touch football in Australia, State of Origin brings together players, coaches, referees and supporters from both states in a celebration of rivalry, pride and excellence. The 2025 series attracted a broadcast audience of more than 54,000 viewers, highlighting the growing interest in the event. In 2027, the focus is on bringing that excitement to the sidelines, creating an origin experience that extends beyond the playing field, with family entertainment and activations planned across the weekend.
Queensland Touch Football CEO, Greg Denny said bringing Origin back to Queensland was an exciting opportunity for the sport and its community.
“We are thrilled to welcome State of Origin back to Queensland in 2027. This event represents the very best of our sport and provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase touch football to a wider audience. Origin brings out the very best in our sport, but it’s also about the people behind it.
We want to see our touch community out in force, from players and their families to the next generation of young athletes watching their heroes in action. We look forward to celebrating the passion, pride and rivalry that make Origin such a special event,” Denny said.
NSW Touch Football CEO Daniel Rushworth said the Blues were looking forward to taking the rivalry north.
“State of Origin is touch football’s greatest rivalry, and there is nothing quite like the passion, pride and intensity that comes with representing Team NSW against Queensland.” Rushworth said.
“We’re incredibly proud of the history and success of the Team NSW, and while Queensland will have the home-ground advantage in 2027, our determination to bring the series home to NSW will be as strong as ever.”
“The rivalry brings out the very best in our players, coaches and officials, and it’s what makes State of Origin such a special occasion for our sport.”
“I encourage our NSW touch football community to make the trip north to Burleigh, get behind the Team NSW and help create an incredible atmosphere across the weekend. Queensland might be hosting, but we’ll be heading north with every intention of retaining the shield and bringing it back to NSW.”
The Burleigh Bears are excited to host the 2027 Touch Football State of Origin series, celebrating the strong connection between touch football and rugby league.
Bears CEO Damian Driscoll said hosting an event of this calibre was a great opportunity to showcase the Burleigh Bears’ facilities while bringing the community together through sport.
“Hosting the 2027 Touch Football State of Origin series is fantastic for the Gold Coast community. With thousands of players, families and supporters expected to visit, the event will also provide a significant boost for our junior club and local businesses,” Driscoll said.
“Touch football and rugby league have a natural connection, with many of our junior players playing both touch and league. That connection is evident through current Bears Hostplus Cup player and Rookie of the Year Jett Bryce, and his sister Tiarni, who represents Queensland and Australia in Open Touch Football.”
Former Queensland Origin representative Jake Notley said a home series would be something special for the players.
“Representing Queensland has been a lifelong dream for me. Mum and Dad both played for Queensland and always said it’s the toughest touch you’ll play, and it’s always been the hardest game of touch footy I’ve ever played. It’s such an honour to represent my state against some of the best touch players in the world,” Notley said.
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time. Having a Queensland crowd behind you changes the atmosphere completely. That’s what’s been missing in the last few years, and I know everyone will enjoy it ten times more.”
“Coming north of the border will be a hostile environment for New South Wales. Home-field advantage is not to be understated, and with the crowd firmly behind Queensland, that’s something we’ll value enormously.”
With planning for the 2027 series already underway, the stage is set for an exciting return to Queensland. From the intensity of interstate rivalry to the atmosphere beyond the sidelines, Burleigh is gearing up for a weekend that brings players, families and supporters together to celebrate the best of touch football. More event details to follow.
Save the date: 11–12 June 2027. State of Origin is coming back to Queensland, and the rivalry is set to be bigger than ever.
ENDS
Media contact:
Spencer O’Neill
Marketing & Communications Manager
Queensland Touch Football
0426 504 161
spencer.oneill@qldtouch.com.au
