The New South Wales and Queensland Touch Football Associations have added an additional division to the 2016 State of Origin Series with the Mens 55s Division confirmed for the 2016 event.
The Mens 55s was included on a trial basis for the 2014 series but will become a permanent feature of the State of Origin series between the two rival States from 2016 onwards.
Defending champions New South Wales will host the series in September next year and NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell welcomed the additional division.
“After the successful trial in 2014 the NSWTA is pleased that the Mens 55s will now have full State of Origin status.’
‘This decision by both the NSWTA and QTA is in line with our ‘A Clear 2020 Vision’ strategic plan and the national bodies ‘A place on the field for everybody’ philosophy. It also recognises the years of effort these gentleman have put into our game.”
Queensland Touch Football CEO Jamie O’Connor noted that it was an important inclusion for the sport.
‘The addition of the Mens 55s provides players a greater opportunity to represent their State and we are delighted that they will be a fully-fledged part of the series for 2016.’
‘If through providing these representative pathways we can continue to keep players participating in our sport then the inclusion of Mens 55s will have been a resounding success.’
The inclusion of the new division will take the overall number to 14 when the two States meet for the 12th edition of State of Origin.
