WOULD you walk three hours to find a television just to watch your NRL team play every weekend?

That’s the situation that Penrith fanatic Ed Kolen is faced with each year when the footy season rolls around.

Kolen, who lives in the rugby league-mad country of Papua New Guinea, is so committed to the Panthers that he travels from his village on foot, often through perilous situations.

Live stream the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL NOW trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!

Round 20

“I still continue to support the team no matter what,” Kolen wrote in a Facebook post earlier this season.

“Sad thing is, while you guys watch the game on TV at home, I go look for television on the streets or sometimes ask my neighbours to watch the boys play. I risk my life.”

We 🖤❤️💛💚 all our fans but a special shout-out to Ed Kolen from PNG 👏🏽 Thanks for the support Ed!#pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/nG55Kx8qhp — Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) September 17, 2017

In another post, he wrote: “Because I love my Penrith Panthers, I come down to town every weekend and spend the weekend with extended family just to watch the Penrith Panthers play.

“Now that the season is over I am heading back to the village (three hours walk).”

Earlier this year, Kolen’s passion caught the attention of generous Panthers fans in Australia through a Facebook group called “Penrith Panthers Fans Only”, and through crowd-funding website GoFundMe they’re hoping to generate enough money to fly him Down Under for a game.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover break down the Des Hasler sacking and what it means for the Bulldogs. Plus what went wrong for the four finals losers.

You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

The campaign has been running since February and has raised just under half the $2000 needed for Kolen’s flights, passport, visa, accommodation and game day tickets.

A number of members have already sent him and his family various items of merchandise including jerseys.

Steve Brewin, the Gold Coast-based Panthers fan who started the GoFundMe page, said helping Kolen was a no-brainer.

Ed Kolen (right) with two friends. Source: Supplied

“I’m a part of another group that does GoFundMe fundraisers all the time for men’s health issues etc, and thought the fans on the page would get behind it,” Brewin told foxsports.com.au.

“It’s been a bit slow taking off and we have delayed it now for next season, but even if I have to make up the difference, eventually we will make it happen.”

Panthers prop Sam McKendry recently contributed $300 toward the cause and asked Brewin to keep him in the loop.

“Kirsten McKendry (Sam’s wife) is a member of the Facebook group and she has been sharing posts with Sam for some time now,” Brewin said.

“When they heard, Sam jumped at the chance and donated $300.

“I’ve since spoken briefly with Sam and he will arrange something with the club for his trip.”

Panthers prop Sam McKendry has donated towards the campaign. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Brewin said he hadn’t reached out to the Panthers yet, but was hopeful they could contribute and making it a real possibility.

“As we get closer to the date I will,” he said.

“I’m hoping they will throw in some accommodation and/or game tickets.

“We in Australia are gifted — despite where we live — and we can often make it to a game or two, at least.

“Ed can’t, and this would be a dream come true for him and we’d love to make that happen.”

To contribute to the fundraiser, visit the GoFundMe campaign here.