The 2023 SOO and World Cup Report
The 2023 TRL State of Origin and World Cup took place at the Alabaster Sporting Fields, Gold Coast from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July – it was a highly successful weekend which showcased our elite players and celebrated the cultural diversity within our great sport.
State of Origin:
The TRL State of Origin Series kicked off on Friday 21 July and again proved why this is the pinnacle of elite TRL.
This series was fiercely contested across five Divisions (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Men’s 30s and Mixed 30s) and it was a welcome sight to have a fast dry track which delivered some magical moments in this epic ‘mate against mate, state against state’ rivalry.
The 2023 instalment was heavily dominated by QLD, who achieved a well-deserved series win in each Division – this will no doubt motivate NSW to come back bigger and better next year in their quest to claim bragging rights!
Men’s
QLD came out firing in the Men’s Division, taking a comfortable 1-0 series lead after defeating NSW (4-2) in the opening match. Game 2 was one for the ages – NSW were desperate to level the series and force a decider, despite every effort they fell agonisingly short going down to QLD by a single point (4-3)! Although QLD took a commanding 2-0 series lead into Game 3, it was all NSW in the final match as they put the Queenslanders to the sword winning 7-2.
Women’s
In the Women’s Division, QLD came away with a memorable 2-1 series win against a star-studded NSW team who were eager to erase the pain of losing the 2022 series. Despite going down in a nail-biting Game 1 (2-1), QLD dominated in Game 2 defeating NSW 4-2 in a clinical display. Game 3 will no doubt go down in the history books as one of the all time classics, with QLD, lead by inspirational skipper Tait Short, winning 3-2 and claiming bragging rights for another year.
Mixed
As with previous years, the Mixed Division State of Origin Series did not disappoint, with QLD and NSW playing out a 3-3 draw in Game 1! Game 2 was a high scoring affair, with QLD proving too strong and running away with an impressive 8-5 victory. With the series on the line, NSW were determined in their quest to win Game 3, but were outclassed by some Darren Gherke (Individual Player of the Series Winner) magic going down to the Queenslanders 6-1.
Men’s 30s
Despite their 2022 heroics, winning their first-ever State of Origin Series in the Men’s 30s Division, NSW were outplayed by their QLD counterparts who were still reeling from their performance last year. Jayrin Willie (Individual Player of the Series Winner) again proved why he is one of the elite players, playing a key role in guiding QLD to a comfortable series win and taking back the shield in 2023.
Mixed 30s
Inspired by the dominance of the Men’s Division, Daniel Maloney’s QLD Mixed 30s Team were far too good for their interstate rivals, claiming the Series after victories in both Game 1 and 2 and going on to sweep NSW 3-0 in ruthless fashion. Arron Kirby was a worthy recipient of Individual Player of the Series honours.
Series Division Winners:
Men’s – QLD 2-1
Women’s – QLD 2-1
Mixed – QLD 3-0
Men’s 30s – QLD 2-1
Mixed 30s – QLD 3-0 [Pictured above]
Individual Player of the Series Winners:
Men’s – Jayrin Willie (QLD) [Pictured below]
Women’s – Tori Collinson (QLD)
Mixed – Darren Gherke (QLD)
Men’s 30s – Drew Farquhar (QLD)
Mixed 30s – Arron Kirby (QLD)
World Cup:
Day 1 of the annual TRL World Cup also kicked off on Friday 21 July and was the sixth iteration of this unique tournament which attracted 51 teams, representing 14 Nations across four Divisions (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and Men’s 30s).
Ebony Castellanos, a member of the Australian Barbarians Mixed Team delivered a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, which was followed by an incredibly spirited Haka performed by the Aotearoa Māori Men’s Team as part of the Opening Ceremony piece.
As with previous years, the TRL World Cup was a vibrant and unforgettable tournament played with a high level of passion, resulting in a truly amazing atmosphere.
The 2023 instalment of the World Cup again delivered some amazing moments, however it was the special efforts of Denmark Men’s, Australia Women’s and Aotearoa Māori Mixed that must be commended, as each of these teams were not only Grand Final Winners, but also went through the duration of the tournament undefeated!
Golden Whistle Award Winner:
Haydn Fisher
Tournament Division Winners:
Men’s WCPL – Denmark
Men’s Cup – USA
Men’s Plate – New Zealand
Women’s WCPL – Australia
Mixed WCPL – Aotearoa Māori
Mixed Cup – Japan
Mixed Plate – Vietnam [Pictured below]
Men’s 30s – Papua New Guinea
Individual Player of the Tournament Winners:
Men’s – Zak Ryan (Denmark)
Women’s – Maddy Morall (Australia) [Pictured below]
Mixed – Kaya Raupita Kehi (Aotearoa Māori)
Men’s 30s – Marlin Doak (Papua New Guinea)
Thank you:
TRL wishes to thank all players, spectators, referees, venues managers, physios and vendors who were part of another action-packed three days of competition.
We would like to extend our appreciation to all team captains and selectors for organising teams – without their hard work and dedication putting teams together, these tournaments would simply not be possible.
TRL would also like to thank the team Alabaster Sporting Fields for allowing us to use their fantastic venue again this year, along with our sponsors and partners:
We look forward to delivering the TRL State of Origin and World Cup in 2024
David Stokes
