Papua New Guinea Hunters players have appealed to the public to be on their best behaviour during and after tonight's State of Origin rugby league opener between Queensland and New South Wales.
Stanton Albert during his time with the Panthers. Photo: Supplied / Melvin Levongo
PNG is the only country in the world where rugby league is the number one ranked sport and big matches, including NRL and State of Origin games, have been known to stop traffic.
Lock forward Rahdly Brawa urged fans not to create any violence and to keep their passion and support for their respective teams in perspective.
"State of Origin is played in Australia we support and stuff but you know we can't take it too personal - it's just the game," he said.
"Sometimes we take it too personal and then it involves a lot of fighting and stuff like that and we the boys too we are trying to stop violence in sports and everything.
"We are trying to educate people that it's just a game and we have to watch it just like we have to enjoy any other game, relax enjoy with family".
Radley Brawa is backing Queensland to win game one, while Kumuls and Hunters prop Stanton Albert says he's also a Maroons fan but will be switching his allegiance to support his former Penrith Panthers team-mate Nathan Cleary, who's making his New South Wales debut at halfback.
"Yeah he was my team-mate (in the Panthers Under 20s team) and he's a good bloke and I'm a Queenslander but I will support the Blues because of him".
Nathan Cleary will make his Origin debut. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
