Hinterland heroes Mal Meninga, Billy Slater and Ben Ross all feature in an intriguing new book by Sunshine Coast author and life-long rugby league enthusiast Robert Burgin.

In Maroon Mentality, Burgin sets out to explore the childhood factors which forged the resolve of all 203 Maroons players since 1980.

The book is equal parts sports history, psychology and sociopolitical commentary, providing insight to the inspirations and tragedies behind each athlete.

Maroon Mentality includes sections on record-setting Meninga’s upbringing at Palmwoods, on Slater’s childhood ties to Nambour, and of Ross’s ongoing links to Flaxton.

Dulong-based coach of the Sunshine Coast Falcons, Sam Mawhinney, also lends his expertise within the pages, recounting memories of on-field battles featuring Ross and local rivals Chris Flannery and Casey McGuire in their youth.

Roughly 130 original interviews and more than 5000 reference materials were used in constructing Maroon Mentality.

“A major reason for writing the book was to exhibit that no matter where people came from geographically, what their cultural background was, what their family’s social status was, these 203 players all overcame the challenges in front of them to reach a unified goal,” Burgin said.

Another reason for the book was the celebration of State of Origin’s 40th anniversary in 2020.

Aware that many players from Origin’s formative years were either past or approaching their 70th birthdays, the author wanted to capture the living history before it was too late.

“Touch wood, only four Queensland players have passed away in the last 40 years,” Burgin said. “I want to preserve the mantras they fell back on when times got tough. What habits did they form in adolescence that put them ahead of the curve? What made them push that little bit harder?”

Burgin was previously an employee of the Queensland Rugby League and the Brisbane Broncos, and wrote for Rugby League Week magazine for 20 years.

• Signed copies are available direct from the author at www.loxtonberg.com/shop