Queenslanders are serious about rugby league. Now a book exploring how it permeates the state's society, culture, and identity as an underdog takes out a top literary award.
A book about the Sunshine State's relationship with rugby league has taken out the biggest prize at the 2020 Queensland Literary Awards.Heartland: How Rugby League Explains Queensland wins the $25,000 Premier's Award for a work of state significance
"What I'm trying to do with this book is to say it's more than just a sport, it's more than just a game, it speaks to Queensland society and culture as well." "I think rugby league is probably one of the best ways in which Queensland gets its own back," he said."I think that's one of the reasons why State of Origin has had such an enduring appeal — both because Queenslanders can beat their southern rivals but also because it's a statement of affirmation about being a Queenslander.
He penned a "fair chunk" of the book in the Cairns Library and eventually moved to the city after it was published.Gorman said it was a bit ironic the book was receiving an award while the state's three NRL teams were floundering in the bottom four.But he did not believe that undermined the importance of the game to Queenslanders.He thought faltering junior participation numbers posed a bigger threat to the sport than the coronavirus pandemic.
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