Headingley stadium is home to (amongst other teams) Leeds Rhinos and their fans were out in force on the Friday in early November when we went to watch the game. I'm not sure if it was the British "fair play" attitude of supporting the underdog, or the fact that PNG player Paul Aiton had just signed for the Rhinos that meant that the crowds were firmly behind the Kumuls that evening.
Before the game.
As we walked to the ground I proudly wore my flag on my shoulders, sweeping up the street with a flag (temporarily) tattooed on my cheek. In the stadium I saw song sheets being distributed and a few PNG scarves but it wasn't until the game was underway did the extend of the support become apparent. The chant going round the ground was "Oh Papua New Guinea" to the tune of the bass line from "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes. At times it filled the stadium and there would have been no doubt in the PNG players' minds that we were behind them all the way.
Paul Aiton with the ball from the YEP match report.
Photo: Steve Riding
Despite the home crowd's support, PNG's first half was pretty poor against the might of the All Blacks, and by half time the score was a painful 40-0. When they returned to cheers for the second half however, the Papua New Guineans were determined not to lie down and fought hard to achieve 10 points that received spine-tingling roars from the fans. The game ended 56-10 but that second half was well worth the wait!
Three more PNG fans here!
Visit the Rugby League World Cup website to read the match report.
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