To sports fans, the Queensland Maroons are the bulletproof gladiators who dominate public attention through the months of May, June and July each year.
But as a new book by Noosa Pirates’ clubman Robert Burgin illustrates, it is the often-untold stories of hardship and vulnerability that make them relatable to people from all walks of life.
The early popularity of Burgin’s book The Maroons is evidenced by it being stocked in Big W, Target and QBD outlets – a major breakthrough for the local author.
“On the day it was released, I walked into Noosa Civic and saw it positioned between Shane Warne’s biography and a book about Rafael Nadal. That was a buzz,” Burgin, currently assistant coach of Noosa’s women’s rugby league team, said.
“What I’ve endeavoured to do with this book is unveil the experiences and mindset of each of the 221 players to represent Queensland since 1980, detailing how they were able to overcome different experiences in their childhood.
“Some of the Maroons were bullied, some were adopted, some were racially vilified, others experienced the death or disability of someone extremely close to them at a young age.
“There’s something equally sad and inspiring when you realise where each of the players came from, and how being a part of State of Origin either resolved or papered over some of their early challenges.”
A lifelong rugby league fan, player and coach, Burgin was previously a journalist for Rugby League Week magazine for 20 years and worked for the Queensland Rugby League and Brisbane Broncos, among other roles.
“Part of the genesis of this book was being at Broncos training the day that Scott Prince found out his father had been killed in a car accident. I’ll never forget that day,” Burgin said.
“I looked around and saw others like Shane Webcke, who lost his father in a workplace tragedy, and Wendell Sailor, who was always very coy about his upbringing, and I realised these guys may be our heroes, but they are often dealing with very heavy topics at a young age.
“There’s a line Wayne Bennett once said – that he is constantly in contact with young men dealing with a sense of abandonment – that also stuck with me and made me want to bring this to life.
“I think if you’re a rugby league fan, you’re going to enjoy the memories and untold stories in The Maroons, but more importantly, if you are a young adult or parent of a child going through difficulties, there are chapters that will speak directly to you and hopefully provide light on the horizon.”
Burgin is open about his own background.
Like Noosa’s own State of Origin star Moses Mbye, Burgin grew up in Housing Commission, his parents separated at a young age, and he was raised by a single mother.
After writing his previous book, Poolhall, Jail, Library, about living in a low socio-economic household, where violence, substance abuse and suicide were all present, Burgin realised the best way to talk to a bigger audience about the important topic was by using his contacts in the rugby league world.
“There were more than 100 interviews and 5000 source materials used in compiling The Maroons,” Burgin said.
“Once I explained the intent of the book and how I’d like to see it perform two roles – one as a historical document that captures every single player, not just the stars, and secondly as a handbook for people facing rough times – most players gave their time freely.
“The Former Origin Greats (FOGs) organisation were particularly great in connecting me with many of the players, and I was surprised how open most were with the truth.
“Not every player had a terrible childhood, but they still identified little tricks and tips that they used for goal setting and keeping on track for the great ambitions they aspired to.”
