Featuring: Usman Khawaja, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, and Ash Barty + more versus Sam Burgess, Johnathan Thurston, Dale Thomas, Joel Selwood + more
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, in association with Hot Spring, coming to Cazalys Stadium, Cairns 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 see some of Australia’s most decorated cricketers face off against a team of NRL and AFL superstars in an unforgettable T20 cricket match showcasing elite competition, entertainment and cross-code rivalry.
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. Sam Burgess, Johnathan Thurston, Dale Thomas and Joel Selwood bringing premierships, Dally M Medals, Clive Churchill Medals, All-Australian honours and more than 1,000 elite games of experience.
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.
Widely regarded as one of the finest cricket thinkers of the modern era, Fleming has coached the Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles and two Champions League T20 crowns.
Having watched Team Rugby defeat Team Cricket twice in New Zealand, Fleming knows exactly what it takes.
Stephen Fleming said:
“People think this is just for fun until the first ball is bowled. 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.
Team Rugby has beaten Team Cricket twice in the Black Clash and there’s absolutely no reason Team Footy can’t do the same in Australia.
Australians are fiercely passionate about cricket, rugby league and AFL. Bringing those sporting worlds together creates something completely unique, and I think Australian fans are going to love it.”
Promoter David Higgins of Duco Events (the company behind the historic Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn boxing event that sold out Suncorp Stadium) 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. We are sure Australian fans will love the novelty of watching superstars from Cricket, NRL and AFL competing head-on in this sporting extravaganza.”
Whilst Gold Clash is a commercial event, organisers have also opted to appoint three not-for-profit partners who will each receive donations to a minimum combined total of $100,000 in year one, with the intention of increasing annual donations in future years. The selected organisations will be announced in coming weeks.
Wildcards add another twist
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.
Before becoming a three-time Grand Slam champion, Barty represented the Brisbane Heat in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League season, proving her credentials with both bat and ball long before conquering the tennis world.
Meanwhile, Team Footy’s first wildcard remains under wraps, with organisers teasing the signing of one of the biggest names in international cricket.
Additional superstar players will be announced over the coming months.
Pride is on the line
Ash Barty said “The T20 Gold Clash should be lots of fun, though my cricket skills are very rusty! I am looking forward to supporting Stephen, playing alongside cricket legends and raising funds for a good cause.”
Usman Khawaja said representing Team Cricket was about much more than simply playing another game.
“Having the rare opportunity to represent cricket against another sporting code, there will be enormous pride on the line. We’ve assembled an incredible squad, but don’t underestimate the footy boys. They’re elite athletes and they’ll be desperate to knock us off.”
Johnathan Thurston says Team Footy won’t be intimidated. “The cricketers might think they’ve got home-ground advantage, but we’re competitors first and foremost. I’m a proud Queenslander, I love winning, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure Team Footy walks away with the trophy.”
Matthew Hayden said: “”It will be great to get the crew back together. The footy boys seem to think youth beats experience, but cricket has taught us a thing or two about winning under pressure. Let’s see how that theory holds up on November 22!”
Dale Thomas said: “Getting to play with some genuine cricketing legends is going to be awesome. Fingers crossed I can find some form from 20 years ago when I last played.”
Joel Selwood said: “I’ve already saved Fleming’s phone number. I might not be the strongest cricketer in Team Footy, but I’m super competitive, so I’ll be spending decent time in the nets and training hard for this match!”
Mike Hussey said “I’ve seen first-hand the skills of the New Zealand Rugby guys in the Black Clash. A few years back All Blacks Jordie Barrett bowled Flem for a duck and Israel Dagg bowled a yorker that broke his toe, so only a fool would take Team Footy lightly!”
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, Queensland.
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.
Minister for Tourism 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.
“Destination 2045 is about building Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s leading tourism destination, and securing major events like Gold Clash demonstrates how we’re delivering that vision in communities across the State,” Minister Powell said.
“We’re focused on attracting new events that give people another reason to choose Queensland, stay longer and spend more in our communities.
“Gold Clash adds another exciting event to Queensland’s calendar and reinforces our reputation as a destination that delivers exceptional experiences both on and off the field.
“By securing events that attract visitors from across Australia and overseas, we’re creating opportunities for tourism operators, supporting jobs and ensuring the benefits of a growing visitor economy are felt right across the State.”
Assistant Minister for Tourism 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.
“This is about much more than a game of cricket – it’s about bringing thousands of visitors to Cairns and giving them every reason to turn a weekend event into a Tropical North Queensland holiday,” Ms James said.
“People will come for the excitement of Gold Clash, but they’ll stay to experience the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest, visit our local attractions and enjoy everything our region has to offer.
“That means more bookings for accommodation providers, more customers through the doors of local cafes, restaurants and retailers, and more support for tourism operators right across the region.
“Events like this help showcase Cairns to a national audience while delivering real economic benefits for local businesses, local jobs and the wider community.”
Mayor Amy Eden from Cairns Regional Council said bringing the inaugural Gold Clash events is a real vote of confidence in the city.
“We know how to host major events, and we know how to make visitors want to stay a little longer.” Australians love sport, but we also love a bit of friendly rivalry. Watching cricket’s biggest names take on NRL and AFL legends is one of those ideas where you immediately think, ‘I’d buy a ticket for that.
Let’s be honest. Seeing some of Australia’s greatest sporting legends swapping codes is going to be a lot of fun… and maybe even settle the age-old debate about which code comes out on top.”
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.
“This exciting event will inspire corporate groups for end of year rewards and draw viewers from our key markets in Australia, New Zealand and India helping to build interest in Tropical North Queensland as a destination,” he said.
More than just a game
With live entertainment, fan activations, family-friendly experiences, sporting legends, wildcard players and more superstar announcements still to come, T20 Gold Clash promises an unforgettable day for sports fans of all ages.
Thousands are expected to pack Cazalys Stadium for what organisers believe will become one of Australia’s most anticipated annual sporting events.
Tickets
Tickets are expected to sell quickly following today’s announcement. Fans can secure priority access to early-bird pricing by registering now for the pre-sale at goldclash.com.au.
Pre-sale for registered ticket buyers on-sale Wednesday 19 August
Public on-sale Thursday 20 August
CURRENT TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Team Cricket
Brought to you by Woolworths
- Usman Khawaja
- Michael Hussey
- Matthew Hayden
- Ash Barty (Wildcard)
- Additional cricket stars to be announced
Team Footy
Brought to you by Oxworks
- Sam Burgess
- Johnathan Thurston
- Dale Thomas
- Joel Selwood
- Additional NRL & AFL stars to be announced
Coach: Stephen Fleming
Former New Zealand Captain | Five-time IPL Champion Coach
EVENT DETAILS
T20 Cairns Gold Clash – Footy vs Cricket
In association with Hot Spring
Sunday 22 November 2026
Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Register now for priority pre-sale access at goldclash.com.au; on-sale Wednesday 19 August
Public tickets on sale Thursday 20 August
The T20 Gold Clash is supported by Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
ENDS
For comments about Gold Clash, Promoter David Higgins, Founder & Director, Duco Events + 64 27 277 7783
To request interviews with playing talent: Text or call Carlena Limmer + 64 21 930 480
