"This is more than just a game."
That was the clear message from Queensland and Papua New Guinea rugby league star Amelia Kuk after the premiere screening of a documentary in which she plays a starring role.
Power Meri is a confrontingly emotive film which documents the remarkable journey of PNG's first female rugby league side, the Orchids, in the face of sexism, poverty, doubters and their own personal demons.
"I am so incredibly humbled to be in a position to help deliver and raise awareness for domestic violence and sexual abuse amongst women in Papua New Guinea," Kuk wrote on Facebook after Friday's screening.
"Rugby league has the power to give every woman a voice and make them stand up for what they believe in and play the game that we all grew up to love.
"(This is the story of) how one team can change the mindset of the whole nation against all odds."
Kuk gave a candid interview at Event Cinemas Myer Cinema for the audience, which included 'King' Wally Lewis and international rugby league players from multiple nations.
The debut of the film preceded Sunday's historic match between the Brisbane Broncos women's team and the Orchids at Suncorp Stadium which was won by the Broncos 48-14 in an entertaining display.
Kuk, a club player for Ipswich Brothers, played for the Broncos, but represented PNG at the 2017 World Cup, and also represented Queensland in the inaugural Women's State of Origin in 2018.
She was born in PNG but has been raised in south Brisbane - and her and her four sisters all appear in the film.
"It was so good to put on that Broncos jersey and run out there, despite having to play against the PNG Orchids of course," Kuk told QRL Media after the match.
"They played so well, it's a young team coming through and coach David Westley should be so proud of them ... they are coming together very well and with every game they are getting better and better."
To request a screening of the documentary near you go to www.powermerifilm.com for details.
