Rugby Star Shares Insights on Managing Life Between Two Time Zones

DAVID Armstrong acknowledges the shifts of time, having grown up in a town that lies on the Australian border.

The Leigh player hails from Mungindi, a spot straddling Queensland and New South Wales.

In New South Wales, daylight saving time is practiced, while Queensland does not follow this—resulting in instances where he would set off for a game at the state line at 3pm and arrive too early.

Armstrong mentioned, “This time of year can be quite confusing. I could leave for a 3pm junior game at 3pm and still be ahead of schedule.”

“The Mungindi Grasshoppers, my junior club, was the only team from New South Wales in the league, while the others came from Queensland, leading to these unusual situations.”

“Mungindi is a small town divided by the border, with the New South Wales time being dominant even though we are technically in Queensland.”

“Most of my family resides there, including my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Essentially, the majority of the town is made up of my relatives.”

“Even though we’re on the New South Wales side, I cheer for Queensland during the State of Origin. Why? Honestly, I have no idea!”

Despite the time confusion, one thing is clear: Armstrong’s comeback after a 10-month recovery from a severe knee injury is crucial for Leigh.

He remarkably played for a month with a torn cruciate ligament.

Currently, he faces a determined Hull KR team, who are eager after just returning to Wembley.

However, the 25-year-old believes his team is unstoppable, stating, “I sensed something was wrong but didn’t realize the severity.”

“After getting a scan, I learned I had a ruptured ACL. Surprisingly, I felt fine leading up to it; I thought I could manage it and keep going.”

“I was shocked when I got the diagnosis. It was really upsetting, and I struggled to cope.”

“I did my rehab back home, which involved an hour’s drive each way, making four trips a week for seven weeks. It was crucial.”

“Watching from the sidelines was incredibly tough. It may sound cliché, but you don’t truly grasp how much you miss something until it’s taken away.”

“It was very difficult not being able to play, but it certainly built my mental toughness.”

“We are no longer just another team in this league; we are competing with the best now.”

“We approach games with a new confidence, asking if our opponents can keep up with us rather than the other way around.”