Marooned: A Memoir of Fandom, Fatherhood and the Far Side of the World

by Darren Groth

On June 8, 2022, in a Vancouver townhouse, Darren Groth gathers with his family – his elderly parents and two younger brothers – to watch an early morning replay of the year’s opening State of Origin. The occasion is full of unknowns. Uncertain of the result, unsure when they’ll travel from the four corners of the globe and meet again and - due to the incurable cancer in his father’s blood – fearing this may be the last time he gets to watch a Maroons game with him.

This crossroads moment is the spur to look back on Darren’s lifelong love of the Queensland rugby league team and explore the role it has played in shaping and affirming his identity. Written as a chronological series of funny, thoughtful and accessible essays, the memoir chronicles the author’s unique journey as a Maroon devotee, the highs and lows on and off the field, the key place the team has occupied in the relationship with his dad and disabled son, and its necessity in connecting him to his state of origin while living far from home.

Marooned is a moving, funny, and deeply heartfelt memoir of fathers and sons, love of team, and love of state. Spanning five decades of Queensland rugby league devotion – from dusty backyards in Hughenden to frosty mornings in Canada – it's a story about belonging, resilience, and the ties that bind us across distance, hardship, and time.

284 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2026

About the author

Darren Groth is a Vancouver author and citizen of Canada, having moved from his native Australia in 2007. His novels include 'Kindling', 'Boy in the Blue Hammock' and the acclaimed YA works, 'Are You Seeing Me?' and 'Munro vs. the Coyote'. His new memoir, 'Marooned: A Memoir of Fandom, Fatherhood and the Far Side of the World', is out now.

Darren has been a winner in the South Australian Literary Awards and a finalist in numerous other prestigious prizes including the Governor General's Literary Awards (Canada), the OLA White Pine Award (Canada). the CBCA Book of the Year (Australia), and the Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Australia).

For fun, he watches 'American Ninja Warrior' with his beautiful Canadian wife and eats Fatburger with his wondrous twins.

Reviews

[Clive Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rugby League began as a breakaway game from the original Rugby Union in northern England to accommodate working class players. League dominates in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW).

To increase interest in the sport, the State of Origin series was introduced featuring the Blues representing NSW and the Maroons representing Queensland. Three games are played annually with players selected depending on where they played their junior football.

Supporting the Maroons became Darren Groth’s major obsession in life. Now, fast approaching his 60th year, he has written a memoir analysing selected State of Origin games over the past 40 years or so. Fortunately, Groth is a novelist (nine books with four targeted toward young adults) and ‘has a way with words’. His prose flows effortlessly and his many witty remarks will keep even non-League followers smiling.

This memoir also tells us about his life away from watching the game. Meeting his future wife is delightfully ‘Mills & Boon’ … the adult version. And teaching in a school for disadvantaged students is a bit of a struggle but has many gratifying moments.

However, having difficulty becoming parents is stressful, and bringing up two children, one of whom is autistic, is exhausting. Those pages are deeply personal, refreshingly frank, and often heartrending.

Stay positive, stay together and stay sane are the three valuable messages readers will take away from this memoir.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just a book about Rugby League and State of Origin. A love letter to father son relationships and how the highs and lows of our chosen teams can impact or mirror our own lives. This book had the ability to transport me through time and relive my own relationship with my father through a shared love of Sport. I could empathise with Groth from miraculous tries scored in the back yard with a hard plastic footy, to the trials of fatherhood and dealing with in Groths case potential loss of his father to my real sudden loss. I began the read with tears and finished the book with tears but more with a heart full from revisited memories and shared experiences with my own father. A true gift.

[Isaac Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darren masterfully weaves the history of the Queensland Maroons rugby league team in with the milestones of his own family's life, finding unique ways to link key moments in time. His passion for his family, his work and of course his beloved football team are evident in the stories he tells and the memories he shares. There's heartwrenching moments, triumphs and tragedies, sprinkled with Darren's self-effacing humour. Thoroughly enjoyed the journey and will happily pass my copy along to friends and family alike.

[Donna Dupuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many elements of this book resonated with me. Football at the forefront but reading how the authors love of the game was born with the closeness to his dad and all the other members of the story came together was so enchanting. A sports book built around the love of family near and far. I could read it again and still get more out of it.

[Happie Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so inspirational, that even as a English Rugby Union fan; the authors use of emotion and real life events and how this team gave him the Queenslander spirit, has actually got me interested in Rugby League!
So much that I will be marking in my calendar next year to watch the Maroon’s play in the State of Origins series. Great read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is much more than a story about State of Origin - though recaps of some spine-tingling Queensland wins put a smile on one's face - it is among other things a story of doubt, hope, and the deep deep love a son has for his father, his mother, his wife and children. It is story of life, juxtaposed wonderfully against some 45 years of Origin.

A really beautiful, moving, story.

[Carolyn Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading highlights of origin games that I grew up with brought back a lot of good memories. The author's love of the game is infectious and the writing is exceptional. The relationships with his father, wife and kids were lovely to read about. An all-round great read. Highly recommend.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy and engaging read. A walk through life, laughter and Origin in Brisbane. Enjoyed this read!