New South Wales Rugby League - History of The NSWRL

History of The NSWRL

Main article: Rugby League in Australia#History See also: New South Wales Rugby League premiership

The New South Wales Rugby Football League was responsible for the introduction of rugby league into Australia in 1907. Since that time the NSWRFL has built a rich tradition at all levels of the game. Great names and great games illuminate the League's growth since 1907 up to the present day. The NSWRFL was formed in August 1907, when player discontent with the administration of the New South Wales Rugby Union, over rejection of compensation payments for injuries and lost wages, led to a breakaway movement. Key figures in the new movement were James Joseph Giltinan, legendary cricketer Victor Trumper, Alex Burdon, Peter Moir, Labor politician Henry Hoyle, George Brackenregg and Jack Fenely. The first rugby league game in New South Wales was played on 17 August 1907, in which New Zealand defeated New South Wales Rugby League team 12-8.

The Sydney premiership was started on 20 April 1908. Nine teams contested the initial season. They were:

  • Balmain
  • Cumberland
  • Eastern Suburbs
  • Glebe
  • Newcastle
  • Newtown
  • North Sydney
  • Western Suburbs
  • South Sydney

The NSWRFL premiership was continued on the successful basis of the first competition in 1908.

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