Sex scandals and other misbehaviour by Australian rugby league players barely rate a mention in Papua New Guinea where the nation is gearing up for its annual dose of sports mayhem.

The atmosphere in PNG when State of Origin comes around each year rivals any football fanaticism around the world.

When Queensland and NSW go head to head tomorrow night for the State of Origin, PNG will erupt in a passionate show of support for a game that has become something of a national obsession.

PNG's enthusiasm for rugby league, and especially the State of Origin, goes beyond the mere flag waving and tooting of horns.

Last year, television sets were hurled into the sea, fights broke out in the streets of the capital Port Moresby and there were reports of suicide and murder.