State of Origin cult following must stop

 ALLOW me to express my concern about the negative effects of the State of Origin rugby league on Papua New Guineans.

In particular, I am saddened by the deaths of two young people that were associated with this event. 

The deaths may not have occurred if people did not indulge in alcohol during the State of Origin games telecast from Australia. 

The State of Origin has a cult-like following in PNG where men, women and children oppose each other in unfriendly and often violent rivalry.  

The first incident had nothing to do with State of Origin game but the event was used to ignite a domestic matter where a life was lost, people sustained injuries and properties were destroyed. 

The second incident involved a young policeman in Goroka, Eastern Highlands,  who allegedly died at the hands of thugs while on duty on Wednesday night.

Of what benefit is the State of Origin to our people? Besides the entertainment aspect, this sporting event will not provide any tangible benefits to the thousands of die-hard Blues and Maroons supporters in PNG.

These Australian rugby league players have no idea about you and I. All they are interested in is the money and glory. And the TV owners are only interested in the money they make from the viewers. 

It’s time for Papua New Guineans to wake up to reality and stop idolizing Australian rugby league players.

Mike Reupana, Via email