Sport
10 August, 2026
Golden clash of sports stars
SOME of Australia’s greatest sporting stars are set to swap codes when cricket’s biggest names take on legends of the NRL and AFL in the inaugural T20 Cairns Gold Clash – footy vs cricket at Cazalys Stadium on Sunday 22 November.
Created by former New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming and international event promoters Duco Events and inspired by the success of their New Zealand T20 Black Clash event, the T20 Cairns Gold Clash will involve some of Australia’s most decorated cricketers face off against a team of NRL and AFL superstars.
Spearheading Team Cricket is three of Australia’s most accomplished modern-day cricketers – Usman Khawaja, Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey.
Standing opposite them is a Team Footy stacked with champion competitors with Sam Burgess, Johnathan Thurston, Dale Thomas and Joel Selwood.
But don’t mistake this for a novelty match. Many of Team Footy stars are talented cricketers away from their chosen sports, and under the guidance of one of world cricket’s greatest tactical minds, they genuinely believe they can upset Australia’s cricket royalty.
That coach is none other than the most successful coach in IPL history, Stephen Fleming.
“People think this is just for fun until the first ball is bowled,” he said.
“Once these athletes cross the boundary line, they want to win. I’ve seen it first-hand in New Zealand and I know just how fiercely competitive these footy players become.”
Promoter David Higgins of Duco Events said “we are so excited to debut this unique brand of sports and entertainment in the Australian market after eight years of sold-out stadiums and record TV audiences in New Zealand”.
Adding another layer of intrigue, each side will feature two wildcard players.
Team Cricket has already secured one of Australia’s greatest-ever sporting icons, Ash Barty as their wildcard player.
Meanwhile, Team Footy’s first wildcard remains under wraps, with organisers teasing the signing of one of the biggest names in international cricket.
The Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland have worked together to attract the inaugural T20 Gold Clash to Cairns.
Cairns was chosen as the home of the inaugural T20 Gold Clash thanks to its passionate sporting community, tropical setting and reputation for hosting world-class events.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said securing Gold Clash was another example of the Crisafulli government delivering on its Destination 2045 vision to grow Queensland’s visitor economy through world-class events and experiences.
Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Barron River Bree James said Gold Clash would deliver benefits far beyond match day for businesses across Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
Mayor Amy Eden said bringing the inaugural Gold Clash events was a real vote of confidence in the city.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said fans of Australia’s favourite sporting codes would have a great reason to visit Cairns in November.
Thousands are expected to pack Cazalys Stadium for what organisers believe will become one of Australia’s most anticipated annual sporting events.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly following the announcement. Fans can secure priority access to early-bird pricing by registering for the pre-sale at www.cnslocal.s.gy/qyxhiF
Pre-sale for registered ticket buyers on-sale Wednesday 19 August, while public on-sale Thursday 20 August.
