For more than 40 years, rugby league has embodied all the hopes and dreams, contradictions and tensions of life in the Sunshine State. The game speaks to Queenslanders’ sense of being the underdog and the outsider – a powerful undercurrent that sweeps through politics, business, the arts, and sport. The enduring appeal of State of Origin is that it allows Queensland to balance the scales, at least for 80 minutes.
In Heartland, journalist and historian Joe Gorman chronicles a tale of loss and rebirth – from the decline of the Brisbane Rugby League competition and North Queensland’s Foley Shield to the extraordinary rise of the Broncos and the Cowboys in the NRL. Weaving together stories of diehard supporters and game-changing players, from Arthur Beetson to Johnathan Thurston, this is a revealing account of Queensland’s coming of age, both on and off the field.
Heartland won the 2020 Queensland Premier’s Award for a work of State Significance, and was named by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as his favourite book of 2021.
“A compelling read which evokes great memories and highlights the importance of rugby league to this state.” — Mal Meninga, Kangaroos coach
“Exceptional and exhaustive ... Gorman has gifted us with two parallel tales of growth. Here is a microscopic look at the decline of Brisbane Rugby League and the rise of the Broncos and the Cowboys and the eternal fight of those mighty Maroons. But here also is a story of how, through a sacred and savage and silly ol’ game, people can turn their lives around, take themselves from nothing and turn themselves into something, from the inside out, and how a whole state can turn itself around with them.” — Trent Dalton, The Australian
“It really is a terrific read. If you love your rugby league and you love the state of Queensland, this is a book for you.” — Mark Braybrook, 4BC Drive
“This is a narrative full of characters … But Heartland’s most effective element is a distinct sense of place – in the way it establishes rural and regional Queensland, the only state in the Commonwealth with a greater share of its population outside the capital than in, as the well-spring of its amazing talent, and shaper of its league culture… Good for Maroon diehards, and those of us who seek to understand them.” — Inside Sport
“Informed and entertaining writing … You don’t have to be a fan of league – it’s like watching trench warfare to me – to appreciate the passion and insights in this study.” — Sydney Morning Herald
“I found it a really enjoyable book … it helped me put things into context as well, given I didn’t have that family history of club rugby league in Brisbane.” — Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm
“A truly wonderful achievement. Joe Gorman takes us on a journey deep into the heart of Queensland rugby league and discovers how the game inhabits the soul of the state. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Queensland, rugby league, or why sport has such a deep emotional resonance with the communities that nurture it.” — Tony Collins, Rugby Reloaded
“A nicely researched book and the best league title this year.” — Geoff Armstrong, Stoke Hill Press
“Superbly written, Heartland is a compelling insight into rugby league’s State of Origin and the role it plays in the identity of Queensland. Gorman moves the narrative seamlessly, shining a light on key individuals and events within a social and political context. This is an outstanding work of literary non-fiction.” — Judges’ comments, Queensland Premier’s Award
“Queensland is Queensland. And Queenslanders are Queenslanders. As Joe Gorman shows us, so insightfully and entertainingly, to understand these profound concepts, your best bet is to start with rugby league.” — John Harms, The Footy Almanac
“Anybody that loves rugby league needs to get this book … it is a phenomenal book.” — Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobson, Triple M Brisbane
“A book which provides a different perspective on rugby league, the game which defines much of what Queensland is about. Joe Gorman has been thorough, thoughtful and passionate in his pursuit of a wide range of views, experiences and sometimes-overlooked historical moments.” — Steve Ricketts, QRL History Committee
“A must-read for all Queenslanders and rugby league fans. Provides an excellent picture of the state of rugby league in Queensland before the takeover by the NSWRL.” — Robert McKay, Goodreads
“A brilliant read. For a Sydney-sider, Heartland was a fascinating (and well overdue) education of the Queensland rugby league experience, and the social and political context that explained its trajectory. From the mania around Origin and the rise of the Broncos, to Super League, the Cowboys’ coming of age and the contribution of Indigenous Queenslanders to rugby league, Heartland covers more terrain than a Sunshine State road trip. Highly recommended.” — Johnno Duncan, Progressive Rugby League Podcast