I had the pleasure of chaperoning 15 proud, passionate and supremely awestruck PNG rugby league supporters last week on a four day sabbatical they are never, ever going to forget. As you read on you will get a better understanding of just what it meant for these boys to make it to Australia for the NRL Grand Final – unquestionably the journey of their lifetime.

Let me briefly explain. UMM Public Relations manages the PR side of the first ever road safety campaign in Papua New Guinea. Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited is PNG’s only vehicle insurer and devised an incentive. If Public Motor Vehicle (think mini-bus) drivers drove responsibly and weren’t disqualified from an NRL-related competition MVIL devised, they might be selected to embark on an all-expenses paid trip to Australia culminating in the NRL Grand Final. Rugby League is beyond a religion in PNG, so this was like being given the keys to King Solomon’s Mine to these guys.

Of the 15 drivers selected, many had never even left their village, much less been on a plane. Been to Australia? Forget it.

One driver basically hit the pause button on his entire life when he was picked. He didn’t leave his house for over three weeks – literally. He didn’t want to risk the trip by living his life. That might give you an idea of what this trip meant to the chosen few.

They were privy to St George’s final training session, they cruised the waters of Sydney Harbour, were completely terrified at the top of Sydney Tower and they watched the Grand Final live.

Something that sounds like a fun four days for most of us is a tale 15 great ambassadors of PNG will be telling their grandchildren about in 30 years. It was humbling to be a part of, and completely awesome in every way.

Go the Kumuls during the Four Nations Tournament, would luuuuurve to see you notch a win boys.

Written by Glen Scott.