Three Burdekin locals have done the region proud at the 2025 National Touch Football Championships in Coffs Harbour, representing at the highest level in both playing and officiating roles.
Veteran player Ian Kerr suited up for Brisbane in the Over 65s division and helped steer his team to an undefeated run in the round robin stage. In a tense grand final clash against the Sydney Scorpions, Kerr and co. held their nerve to clinch a 3–2 victory and take home the national title. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed—Kerr has since been selected to represent Queensland in the upcoming Touch State of Origin series against New South Wales, also in Coffs.
Peter Knapton flew the North Queensland flag in the Over 55s division, where his team scored solid wins over Hunter Hornets (3–2), Coolum Bluefins (4–3) and Victoria Storm (3–2). Despite some strong performances, the NQ side was edged out by the Gold Coast, ACT Raiders and Sydney Scorpions, before falling to the Gold Coast again in a semi-final showdown played in soggy conditions. The Gold Coast went on to defeat the Scorpions 3–1 in the final.
Meanwhile, Burdekin referee Michael Littlefield was in elite company, taking his place in the National Referees Squad. Over the week, he controlled six pool games, a Men’s Open Quarter Final, a Mixed Open Semi, and capped off the tournament with the Women’s Open Grand Final—an appointment that cements his reputation as one of the top whistleblowers in the country. Like Kerr, he’ll return to Coffs in two weeks for State of Origin duties.
Ian Kerr, Michael Littlefield, and Peter Knapton recently flew the Burdekin flag at the 2025 National Touch Championships in Coffs Harbour.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
