Australian Defence Force personnel serving in Afghanistan are making plans to catch one of the nation’s great sporting events as the 2012 State of Origin rugby league decider kicks off tonight (4 July 2012).
While most troops deployed with 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) Task Group, the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and Combined Team - Uruzgan (CT-U) will be busy conducting mentoring operations, others will be cheering on the Queensland Maroons or the New South Wales Blues as they battle for rugby league supremacy.
Commanding Officer of 3 RAR Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Trent Scott, said the majority of his men and women would be on task supporting their Afghan National Security Force partners, except for a lucky few who would witness the historic rivalry.
“It is almost tradition for Australian soldiers at Multi National Base - Tarin Kot to don their jerseys, head to the recreation area and enjoy the live State of Origin broadcast,” he said.
“Depending on the electronic connection, those at the Forward Operating Bases and Patrol Bases will access the televised broadcast, sport websites or online radio commentary,” LTCOL Scott said.
The current Operation SLIPPER rotation in Afghanistan is predominantly drawn from Queensland-based units, including a large contingent from Townsville, and will likely generate a very one-sided support base.
“I know many of my guys are avid rugby league fans, and to be perfectly honest, I haven’t seen one Blues jersey around base,” LTCOL Scott said.
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