The Country Championships, hosted by Exmouth Touch Association, returned in 2026 in Western Australia, with the triennial event incorporating the North West Touch Carnival held in the other years.
Last staged in 2023, the event featured a Senior Mixed division, alongside junior games, supporting participation across further age groups.
The 2026 event also carried added significance for the local community, with Exmouth recently impacted by severe cyclone damage. The Country Championships aimed to support the town’s recovery, bringing teams, families, and supporters to the region following a period of reduced tourism during what is typically a peak season.
This year's event saw an increase in teams participating from across the western border, with quality Touch Football all weekend on display, including junior games between Exmouth and Karratha. Participating teams included Barbarians, Broome (2 teams), Exmouth (2 teams), Geraldton, Hedland, Karratha (2 teams), Newman, Paraburdoo, and Tom Price.
Both Karratha teams reached the grand final, with their second team outlasting the first in a close-fought contest.
Touch Football Western Australia (TFWA) would like to thank and acknowledge Exmouth Touch Association, led by Mason Watts and Paula Hart, for an outstanding job hosting the Country Championships.
Hero photography credited to Miesa Grobbelaar.
2026 Country Championships Results & Award Winners
Semi-Finals
Semi-Final 1
Karratha (2) 4 defeated Exmouth White 3
Semi-Final 2
Karratha (1) 10 defeated Hedland 5
Grand Final
Karratha (2) 6 defeated Karratha (1) 4
Grand Final MVPs
Female: #1 Kimberley O’Connor (Karratha 2)
Male: #12 Kai Kirkwood (Karratha 2)
Grand Final Referees
Brian Blechynden (Perth)
Rob McKay (Perth)
James Knowlson (Perth)
Referee of the Tournament
Annie Scanlon (Broome)
Top Try Scorers
Female: Rochelle Hammond (Karratha 1) & Ella White (Karratha 1) - 8 tries
Male: Gil Casanova (Broome Lightning) - 17 tries
All Stars Team (voted by players each game)
Female: Breanna Shuttleworth (Newman)
Male: Gil Casanova (Broome Lightning)
Female: Hayley Evans (Tom Price)
Male: Tarquin Barrett (Paraburdoo)
Female: Kimberley O’Connor (Karratha 2)
Male: Joseph Cossio (Exmouth Black)
