Three Australian greats say farewell

26 May 2016 by Lauren Pritchard

The recent 2016 Trans Tasman Series saw three stalwarts of the Australian contingent play their final games in the green and gold at the Open’s level.

Touch Football Australia would like to thank Robert Nakhla, Terry Deegan (Men’s) and Trent Touma (Mixed) for their contribution to our Australian teams.

Nakhla made his debut for Australia in the Men’s Open division at the 2009 Trans Tasman Series and has since represented his country at the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016 Trans Tasman Series events, as well as the 2015 World Cup.

Nakhla said he’ll miss being part of the team and the bond the side shares.

“Being a part of the Australian Men’s team has been such a great privilege for myself, sharing some very memorable and life changing experiences which I will always remember for a very long time.

“This team has always welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to share my passion with a great bunch of guys. These guys go beyond being team mates rather guys that I can truly call my friends,” Nakhla said.

“As well as competing on the biggest stage against the best in the world, I will definitely miss hanging around the boys.”

The 2016 Trans Tasman Series was also the last event for Nakhla’s longtime teammate, Terry Deegan in the green and gold.

After making his debut in the 2010 Trans Tasman Series, Deegan then played in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 Trans Tasman Series events as well as the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.

Deegan says that it’s been ‘such an amazing experience’ to be a part of the team for such a long period of time.

“To think that I have been part of the Australian Men’s Open team since 2010 is something that I am very proud of,” Deegan said.

“I have so many great friends and so many great memories as a result. I will miss the opportunity to represent my country in the sport that I love and worked so hard to be good at.”

Australian Mixed Open representative, Trent Touma also says goodbye this year following a successful campaign in New Zealand. Touma debuted for the Australian Mixed Open team at the 2012 Trans Tasman Series, playing in every Trans Tasman Series since then, as well as the 2015 World Cup.

Touma was a popular member of the Australian Mixed Open team over the past cycle, with coach Micheal Lovett describing him as the ‘heart and soul of the team’.

Touma says he’ll definitely miss being part of the contingent and is thankful for all of the memories.

“The first day I was picked in the Mixed Open I was blessed and to this day I’m still blessed to be here. I’ve appreciated every single time I’ve come on these tours and especially getting onto the field in the green and gold jersey, so it’s an honour.

“I will not only miss the Mixed team but the whole contingent. It is not just about winning, it is about coming away and becoming one family,” Touma said.

Touch Football Australia CEO, Colm Maguire, expressed his appreciation of the three athletes and their contribution to the sport, not just at a national level but also all the way down to a grassroots level.

“Thank you Robert, Terry and Trent for all your service. You have all been wonderful ambassadors for the game. Thank you for all you have done for your country and what a great way to finish wonderful careers,” Maguire said.