Tyler and Emily in PNG

Being in a land far from the American sports such as baseball and football, I have been introduced into rugby. Rugby is known as footy or football here in PNG and Australia. There are three rugby styles: league, union, and Aussie. The one I have been introduced to is rugby league. They play their games on Friday night with one feature game on Sunday afternoon. There is one national TV station in country and it broadcasts the games from Australia.

This past Wednesday night, was State of Origin III. State of Origin is an all star like game where players are selected from their state of origin in Australia (New South Wales or Queensland). They play best of three series with the games played every three weeks. Wed night was game three, the rubber match game, so yes we had to have a footy party. Me and two other PBT missionaries gathered to watch the game with root beer floats at half time. The game was played in Brisbane home of the Maroons of Queensland and they played against the Blues from New South Wales. They play two, 40 minute halves with a short 10 minute half time. The clock does not stop unless for serious injury. It is a fast moving game.

The game is played much like American football and the goal is to score a ‘try’ or touchdown. They play on 100 meter field. However, to advance the ball you have to pass the football backwards and run forward. You cannot advance the football by throwing it, however you can kick the ball. Each team has six downs and if you have not scored by the six down you can kick or punt the ball. Contrary to American football, there are no pads or helmets worn.

Back in Madang, there are local rugby league teams that play around the city. Nearby where I live, there is a field and I’ve heard they play every Sunday afternoon. This Sunday, I took the opportunity to wonder over to the field to watch the local action.

The field perimeter is outlined with an chain link fence with barb wire on-top. Not sure if they are trying to keep the crowd off the field or the players from going into the stands. The game was pretty civil but they were times when both sides got stirred up. The action was not nearly as exciting as the ‘State of the Union’ but the action was still real and looked painful every time a tackle was made. I believe the blue team won.

I am continuing to find new ways to explore this place, in which I live. To learn a new culture, you must be willing to put yourself in the place where they are. I enjoy the chances I have to get out in the community and broaden my horizons. On the way to church, we walked by a game of cricket played by expatriates and on the way to the footy game I walked by local youth girls playing 2-hand touch rugby.

For More Information on Rugby League State of Origin: https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Rugby_League_State_of_Origin