The Power of Sporting Rivalries Unites Communities
It was, by all accounts, an adrenalin-packed game, serving up edge-of-your-seat action. I am, of course, referring to the epic inaugural rugby league Battle of Brisbane that saw the Broncos take out the Dolphins 18-12. A colossal 51,047 people packed Suncorp Stadium, reportedly the biggest crowd for a standalone regular season match in the stadium's history.
The Dolphins are the National Rugby Legue's seventeenth side. Led by legendary coach Wayne Bennett, the Dolphins have recruited several high-profile NRL players, including Felise Kaufusi, a former student at Shalom College, Bundaberg, who played for Bundaberg Brothers before being signed by the North Queensland Cowboys and later, Melbourne Storm. Controversially, Kaufusi had to watch the maiden game from the sideline after he copped a 4 week suspension by the NRL judiciary for a grade two dangerous contact charge.
The impressive turnout at the game stands as a testament to the unparalleled power of sport in uniting people, transcending boundaries, and inspiring a shared sense of passion and fellowship.
The unique power of sport to unite people across cultural, political, and social divides was recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 with the establishment of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which is celebrated on 6 April each year. The day's purpose is to recognise the power of sport concerning peace, unity and social inclusion.
The UN's decision to establish IDSDP was based on the idea that sport has the potential to address various social issues, including education, health, and social inclusion. That sport can help bridge cultural, religious, and ethnic divides by promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect among individuals and communities. It culminated in a collective commitment to harness the potential of sport for positive social change.
Legendary coach Wayne Bennett described the Dolphins' arrival in the NRL as generating a rivalry with the Brisbane Broncos equal to that between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Rivalries have long been integral to the sporting world, adding excitement and drama to competitions. There are many famous sporting rivalries worldwide: Dallas Cowboys v Washington Redskins, India v Pakistan, Argentina v Brazil, Barcelona v Real Madrid, San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers and many more. Each rivalry is grounded in a foundation encompassing religion, geography, social class, political affiliation, or historical events.
While rivalry creates a sense of competition, it also fosters a sense of unity among fans. Through their shared passion for rugby league, supporters of both teams form connections and bond over the thrilling matches.
The rivalry between the Dolphins and the Broncos will likely continue as an essential part of the rugby league experience, captivating fans and invigorating the sport. As both teams continue to vie for dominance on the field, their clashes will undoubtedly forge a sense of unity among attendees that will last long after the game.
By celebrating this rivalry, we can continue fostering unity and connection within the community, making Brisbane (and Queensland) an even stronger and more vibrant rugby league community.
