Did you catch the game?

I know some people just don’t get sport. Don’t get all the hype and the passion and the over-the-top excitement and adrenaline rush of a big game. Can’t understand the piercing agony that can come with a last minute defeat or the soaring ecstasy of an unlikely last minute victory.

I have no problem with those people.

But I’m just really glad I’m not one of them.

As much as I love books, writing, films and music, none of those things has ever given me anything like the same level of joy or intensity of emotions, that I’ve experienced while watching a game in which I am personally and passionately invested.

For instance, no book or film or song has ever caused me to leap in the air, cheering and roaring my lungs out or left me, head in hands, crushed and deflated.

But many Rugby League games have. Along with World Cup Soccer matches, AFL Grand Finals, Rugby Union Tests, Cricket matches, Basketball games and a variety of Olympic events etc. Cathy Freeman anyone?

And I think a lot of it comes down to the power of STORIES.

While the skill and intensity of the contest brings its own enjoyment, it’s the hundreds of stories behind the contest that elevate it to another level. That give it meaning. That make it something more than ‘just a game’.

For me, particularly when it comes to Rugby league, it’s the backstory of the whole team and club’s journey over many seasons, along with the backstories of individual players and coaches – their highs and lows, their successes and failures, their personal battles and challenges – that draw me in and grip my heart.

Often they are stories of courage and commitment, of disappointment and redemption, of hope and despair. Stories that lay bare an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, not just in their role as players and coaches, but also as human beings.

And on top of all those stories, each spectator and fan brings their own history and stories to every game.

But what’s that you say? There are much more important things in the world today than something as trivial as a game of football – even a Grand Final?

Well, yes. I totally agree. There are and there always will be.

But like it says somewhere, To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.

So I like to to think that there’s still a time and a purpose for shouting for joy or moaning in pain over a contest that at times can feel like life and death, but really isn’t; where win or lose, it all just becomes one more story to tell and where, thankfully, there is always another game and another year on which to pin all your hopes and dreams.

And where despite all the rivalry and at times inflamed words and passions, there is still a final whistle with handshakes and embraces.

Anyway, all that rambling preamble (prerambling?) is just because I wanted to say, as someone who has been a huge Rugby League tragic since I was a kid (Up the Mighty Brisbane Western Suburbs Panthers!) – WELL DONE TO MY GUYS THE BRISBANE BRONCOS! – 2025 premiership winners in both the Mens and Womens competitions. A wonderful achievement that’s never been done before.

What a year! What a finals series! Thanks Broncs and all the teams for the roller-coaster ride of agony and ecstasy and everything in between. I’m just grateful my heart held out. Can’t wait to do it all again next year.

And finally, if you happen to be a ‘Rugba’ League tragic and QUEENSLAND supporter like me, OR if you know someone who is OR if you just want to read what is essentially a beautiful story about love and family, then do yourself a favour and keep your eye out for this book:

MAROONED: A Memoir of Fandom, Fatherhood and the Far Side of the World by DARREN GROTH out in Australian stores May 20, 2026.

If you want to see how sport can be bigger and more important than just a game, I highly recommend that you read Darren’s book. He’s a terrific writer and I’m super proud to have my name on the back cover.

You can check out Darren’s author site HERE where you will also find links to his facebook and instagram pages.

Cheers
Michael

PS: What are your thoughts on sport? Got a favourite sporting memory you’d like to share?