The Australian Mens Open Team at the 2010 Trans Tasman Series

Australian and Mens 30's Debutant Chris Talinton provides us with an insight into what it's like to be on Tour for the 2010 Masters Trans Tasman Touch Series.

Wednesday was pretty cruisey in the day as we arrived into warm Townsville, 26 degrees is much warmer then the below zero temperatures I left in Canberra. Wednesday night we played a trial match against Thuringowa Mens was a good hit out. They really tested us for the whole 40 minutes. The game allowed us to trial a few things and get use to each other again since our last hit out at the Camp in May. It really showed us what we need to fix up before our first match against the Kiwis on Friday. Overall it wasn’t a bad game, we got through without injury, and it helped to play such a good opposition, even if the 4-3 result didn’t go our way!

Thursday kick started with the Australian Jersey Presentation. It was here when it started to really sink in what we are about to embark on the next few days. Having Ron Hanson present the jerseys really added to the occasion. Hearing the first captain of the Australian team from before I was born really brings home to you how much of a privilege it is to be here.

The announcement of the flag bearer was also a special part of the presentation. There are so many players putting on the green and gold this weekend that have done it all in the sport, so the decision must have been a tough one. Trevor McPhillips was a more than worthy recipient of this accolade having represented Australia at four World Cups which I think is a remarkable feat, as I prepare to play my first test for my country.

The announcement of the female flag bearer saw a tradition bucked as for the first time a non-player was chosen - TFA’s High Performance Director Cathy Gray. No doubt anyone involved in Australian teams at any level would know Cathy and those that know exactly how much time and effort Cathy puts in year after year, and as much as Cathy prefers to be in the background, this recognition is well and truly deserved for one of the hardest working volunteers in the sport.

After the Presentations we had a light training session, which was just what we needed and we really concentrated on fixing the points we identified after last night’s game. There were some areas we  really needed to make some improvements on, but I am confident we have and we should be ready to go tomorrow night.

The nerves are starting to build as tap off gets closer, but everyone is looking forward to getting out there after months of training, in what will surely be a great series.

Article courtesy of Touch Football Australia, written by Chris Tarlinton.