Green snags, Viking claps and a giant horn: Canberra unhinges as Raiders fever strikes | Shaun Crowe

The nation’s capital is better know for its sporting politeness but that has changed with its NRL team in Sunday’s grand finalFor a city of 400,000 people, Canberra residents are good at turning up to things. It could be the country’s most popular flower festival, or its loudest muscle car jamboree or a game of AFL in the snow; this town will generally provide a crowd.Still, a common tone often accompanies these events. For all their reliability, Canberra crowds can tend towards the genteel (well, maybe not Summernats). People sensibly plan ahead, packing sandwiches and flasks of coffee; they bring picnic rugs and remember their wide brim hats on a sunny day. Arguably more than any other Australian city, Canberra crowds are happy to clap opposition players with a fair-minded politeness. Related: Josh Hodgson travels with Raiders to Sydney and will play NRL grand final Related: NRLW up in lights with rugby league set for history-making grand final | Larissa O'Connor Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

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