The Thousands

Before the hulking vastness of the stadium, before drinks began costing an hour’s wages, before big screens and replays and endless advertising; rugby league took place on local grounds. Here people watched the game like it should be watched: sprawled on the grass, a beer in hand, soaking in the sun, and close enough to hear the smack of man against man. **Fortunately, this experience hasn’t disappeared completely. Every other Saturday afternoon, the Newtown Jets take to the hallowed field of Henson Park. From the sun-soaked hill to the old grandstand, from the dogs playing to the meat raffle, from the tea ladies to the sausage sizzle; an afternoon of rugby league at Henson Park is an undeniable pleasure. Modern life seems so unnecessarily complicated afterwards.