As NSW Touch Association prepares to launch the 30^th anniversary of the NSW State Cup in Port Macquarie, general manager Dean Russell has announced the occasion will be marked with something a little different.

“We will be live streaming all the games from the stadium for all three days,” Russell said.

“We haven’t done that in the past so that’s a nice linkage that in our 30th year it will be something new we’re going to bring to the event.

“It wasn’t just that we wanted to do it as a once-off, but something we could launch in Port Macquarie and then be ongoing.

“That was the perfect fit.”

Finals day will then have a live stream complete with commentary.

Russell admitted it was a “really proud accomplishment” for the governing body to tick off their 30th-straight year in the Hastings.

232 teams and more than 300 referees will descend on the region in a fortnight to celebrate the occasion.

“I don’t know too many events in any sport that can say they’ve had a 30-year strong relationship with a venue of hosting a state championships,” Russell said.

“That means that we’re doing something right in relation to how we’re engaging with the local community, the council, the tourists and all the providers.

“We’ve not come in, done what we want and brushed everyone aside locally; we want to come in and be part of the community for the time we are there.”

Local identities such as Port Macquarie Tourism Association president Jeanette Hyde have played integral roles in the event returning every year.

She has been there since day one.

“Jeanette could see the potential of the event for the benefit of the local community,” Russell said.

“That’s why she became the champion of the event unofficially on behalf of NSW Touch with every mayor we’ve dealt with, with the tourists, with all the vendors and providers in the area.

“She has been the local driving force and while there have been people that have had input locally she’s the one that’s been there from the start and still is there today.”

The NSW Touch general manager said Port Macquarie’s tender had been the best in previous years because they continued to improve.

“Port Macquarie have realised the value of the event itself and made sure their tender was the best every time we’ve gone to tender,” Russell said.

“Each tender has been different and they’ve always looked to keep improving because they don’t want to lose the identity of being the home of touch.

“The proof is in the pudding that we have been there for 30 years.”

Russell refused to say the event would be in the Hastings “forever”, but the community “have the runs on the board.”

“It makes their position when tendering a little more easier than other councils because they know what to expect and what to pitch for,” he said.

The 2018 NSW State Cup taps off on December 7.

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