Chasing History: Records in Reach in 2024

As we usher in the new year, there are several opportunities for players and teams to immortalise themselves in the Touch Football record books throughout 2024. From milestone appearances to the rewriting of the try scorer leaderboards, here are the records in reach in the year ahead. 

Tries 

Currently on 95 tries, Malcolm Kenny can surpass 100 tries at The Championships, presented by Inferno, this year, when he partakes in his 12th campaign. Other players in touching distance of the century mark (should they participate) include Jonathan Palau (96), Roy Prasad (97), Manu Wakely (93), Tom Quinlivan (92), Dave Zanette (92), Shaun Francis (86), and Carley Walsh (85). 

There will be a few players aiming to rewrite the history books for their respective regions at The Championships this year as well. Hunter Western Hornets Men’s Open player Jessie Jenkins currently sits on 72 tries for his side heading into Coffs Harbour. If he surpasses Dean Wilbow’s record 84 tries, he will go outright first in Hunter Western Hornets history. For the Western Tigers, Jayden Ngamanu and Tynan Smith are currently ranked first with 22 tries apiece at Open’s level. Of the 2024 contingent, Hayden Da Rul stands at best odds to reach this feat, should he improve on his 6 tries in 2023. The Sydney Scorpions have a rich history in this competition. With 64 tries to his name, Jamie Stowe currently sits alone atop the Scorpions try scorer list at Open level. Jonathan Palau (60), Sammy Brisby (nee Rodgers) (40), and Jordan Horo (37) will all be aiming to reach or surpass that record.  

Currently sitting on 45 tries, Rhani Hagan has the chance to make history this year at the DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC). Should she compete, the Young Queenslander is in striking distance of the all-time try scoring record of 53 (Malcolm Kenny).  

After scoring 17 tries at last year’s Open Trans-Tasman Test Series (OTT), dynamic winger Samantha Brisby (nee Rodgers) is in touching distance of Marikki Watego’s record 77 tries for Australia. Currently sitting on 67, Sammy needs just another 11 tries to overtake her and become the outright top Women’s try scorer in Australian Emus history. This’ll put her only behind Gavin Shuker (117) in the all-time try scorer’s list for Australia.   

At every World Cup, an opportunity to rewrite the record books beckons for Australia’s athletes – for the most tries scored at a single World Cup. As it stands, Gavin Shuker (2011) and Marikki Watego (2019), share the record with 36 tries. That record isn’t the only milestone Gavin Shuker holds, with the Queenslander’s 11 tries (2011) against Luxembourg, the most scored by an Australian in a single game. Will anyone surpass these records in 2024? 
 

Appearances 

There will be a few Athelite Australia Emus players looking to reach 50 Australian Caps come July at this year’s FIT World Cup. Athletes in reach of the prestigious milestone include Peter Norman (41) and Jonathan Palau (43). 

But that’s not the only appearance record to look out for. Men’s Open’s coach Phil Gyemore (88) can potentially reach 100 combined caps for Australia as a coach and player this July at the World Cup. Keep an eye out for Tony Eltakchi (91), who is also in reach. 

Another Australian set to reach 100 caps is Tim Kitchingham (92), who in November last year, was announced as the Assistant Coach of the Men’s 55’s team at this year’s World Cup. This will mark his 8th World Cup appearance as either a player or coach. This will be the most in Australian Touch Football history. 

This March at The Championships should Dave Zanette compete, it will be the 26th time he has participated at the event.  

Team Achievements  

In the history of the DoorDash NYC, Queensland Secondary Schools Touch (QSST) has dominated the event. Winning a combined 37 championships the Boy’s and Girls’ sides will be looking to make history this year by achieving a clean sweep three-peat of the 18s divisions. Although both sides have achieved their own respective three-peat, it has not yet happened simultaneously.    

A record dating back to 2015, the Australian Women’s Open team are 28 games unbeaten. How far can they go in 2024? 

That won’t be the only record the Women will be looking to keep intact. Since the first Touch World Cup was held in 1988, the Australian Women’s and Men’s side have always emerged victorious. This year in Nottingham, both teams will be looking to be crowned World Champions for a record extending 10th time.