Security boosted in PNG for State of Origin 2 after first round violence

Getty Images. Mark Nolan file photos 

Security will be boosted in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, during the next State of Origin clash in Australia, after violence flared between supporters during last week's clash

The annual State of Origin contest between New South Wales and Queensland has become a national obsession in rugby-mad Papua New Guinea.

Clashes between fans during last week's first round left one person dead and several homes destroyed.

Perou N'dranou, Superintendent of Operations for the National Capital District, is appealing for locals to watch the game at home rather than take to the streets.

"Please do not overdo it - this game is more than a hundreds kilometres away in Brisbane now," he said.

"It's got nothing to do with us - just enjoy it."

After the first round last Wednesday, two groups of men clashed and one was stabbed to death.

His relatives later burned down two houses they believed belonged to the killers.

Superintendent N'dranou says more than 20 newly-graduated police officers will be deployed, and community outreach undertaken ahead of the next clash on June 26.

"Targeted areas...that do come up being more aggressive than usual, we're sending policemen in to talk to them," he said.

"[We'll tell them] this is just a game - you don't play it like these people.

"You don't play it at all."

ABC News