A group of former State of Origin players from both Queensland and New South Wales recently took on the Kokoda Trek to help support the Men of League Foundation.
The players who took part (including Queenslanders PJ Marsh, Dallas Johnson and Steve Bell) said it was an experience they would never forget.
Rugby league fans have the opportunity to take part in in next year’s trek – with Men of League offering up a spot in the 2016 trip with their prize raffle.
The Kokoda Trek Raffle Prize is valued at $5500 and includes:
· Return international flights from Brisbane
· All meal on track and hotel accommodation
· Dedicated training program
· Travel insurance
· Australia historical, guide and wilderness medic
· Trek fees, camp fees and camping gear
· Local group porter team and guides
Buy a Raffle Ticket for your chance to be a part of this trek next year here.
Tickets cost $20 each or three for $50.
The prize will be drawn on Remembrance Day this year (November 11).
Read about PJ Marsh’s experience of this year’s trek – including wearing thongs! – below:
“What an amazing and humbling experience I have just returned from. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to the Men of League and Aurora for arranging this adventure. How great it is to be home in Australia after spending the last eight days trekking in beautiful Papua New Guinea.
“Nothing I say or any photos I have taken would do any justice to how it was to be there in person.
“I have many memorable moments during the trail, it was eye-opening to see how much the locals love their rugby league. They explained how they would physically carry a generator and a television to the very top of a huge hill to find reception to watch the State of Origin, they call this spot ‘State of Origin Hill’.
“Just as memorable was walking in the footsteps of our Australian troops. It was truly an overwhelming experience and in particular having two amazing guides Ricky Dumigan and Tyson Murray, taking the time to mentor and teach us all so much about the Kokoda war and the trail. The local porters trekking with us not only educated us on local customs, culture and history, but also confirmed there was no need for my $150 hiking boots. I became a true local, hiking 100kms in my Havaiana thongs!
“I cannot express how much I appreciate this experience and thank everyone who was involved in organising this adventure/fundraiser. Count me in for another fundraiser anytime!”
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You can also watch former Blue Josh Perry talk about the experience: Josh Perry talks 2015 Kokoda
*This first appeared on the Men of League website: PJ Marsh shares his Kokoda Trek experience
