Of all the things you might expect to see in war-torn Ukraine, a thriving rugby league community probably isn’t one of them.
And yet on a chilly afternoon, in fading sunlight, an Australian documentary crew found itself on a school oval taping the under-14 Kyiv Rhinos training session, led by coach Yevhen Zubritskiy.
As he directed his charges about the field, barking out commands, it was clear that Yevhan had picked sides in Australia’s annual state-versus-state grudge match. Beneath his open parker was a distinctive maroon jersey. Asked why he backed Queensland Yevhan said it’s because the team is hard, doesn’t give up and is “ready for an argument”.
The same might be said of Ukraine’s courageous stand against the Russian invasion.
Yevhan’s league program is supported by the government and, for him, it is both a labour of love and an essential relief for his young charges from the constant threat of war.
“It is important for these children,” he says. “This is not merely a distraction, they live for this sport.”
Asked what it meant for him he responded with two words in English: “My life”.
His love of the game shines through his young charges.
Rhino’s winger, Ihor, was asked how he feels when he plays the game.
“I feel wonderful,” he said.
And league has clearly taught Rhino’s captain Danylo some lessons about leadership.
“When there are hard moments on the field, I know that my team will always help me and I will help them,” Danylo said.
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The President of the Ukrainian Rugby League Federation Artur Martyrosian was quick to point to the strong Ukrainian bloodline in Australia’s elite players.
“The famous names like Nathan Cleary and Hudson Young,” he said.
The Australian crew had been told about the Ukrainian League and came bearing a message from the premiership winning Penrith Captain.
The team and the coach gathered around the iPhone as the message was played in small bites and it was translated into Ukrainian.
In it Cleary said he was proud of his heritage and “often ask my Nan questions about it”.
“I know it’s been really tough times recently over there, but it’s really cool to see that the game continues to grow. I will always be a massive advocate and supporter of that. And yeah, I’ll help out where I can. I also hope that one day I’ll be able to pull on that Ukrainian jersey for a game. But until then, keep up the hard work. It’s awesome to see and I’ll continue my support from over here. So good on you guys, and hopefully get to meet you soon.”
The young players and their coach were clearly moved by the encouragement from one of the game’s greatest players. Faced with the routine threat from air attacks and living in a nation at war, even small acts of kindness means a lot.
Artur said he was deeply touched by the show of support from a player so admired by the Ukrainian League family.
“In a big sense. From soul to soul, heart to heart, mind to mind,” he said.
Forged in Fire screens on Nine at 9pm on Sunday at 9pm.
