National Museum of Australia - 100 years of the game

100 years of the game

Rugby league in Australia started as a rebel football competition established in defiance of the New South Wales Rugby Union. With its mix of hardness and athleticism, it has grown to become one of the most popular of Australian sports, a skilful fast-moving game that has the passionate support of its fans.

Here, relive some of the key moments and memorabilia, with photographs which bear testament to the great teams and personalities of the past.

Many of these photographs are also on show in the League of Legends travelling photographic exhibition.

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1907 Pioneers' match ball with the Kangaroos player's names inscribed on it

Courtesy Melba Studios.

The first Kangaroos risked their footballing futures to support the insurgent code. Their names are beautifully inscribed on this match ball from their 1907 matches against AH Baskerville's New Zealand team.

1910: Pioneering Kangaroo

Photo of Easts and Australian representative player, Dan Frawley

Courtesy Melba Studios.

Dan Frawley represented Australia in seven Test matches and helped Easts to premierships in 1911, 1912 and 1913. He was popular with both players and fans, and later worked for many years as head steward at the New South Wales Leagues Club.

1910: Pioneer Sandy Pearce

Photo of one of the first Kangaroo players, Sandy Pearce

Courtesy Melba Studios.

Sid 'Sandy' Pearce followed his mate Dally Messenger into rugby league and all the way to legendary status. From a famous rowing family, Pearce was a Pioneer in 1907 and went on the first Kangaroos tour. In 1921 he was still good enough, at age 38, to again tour Britain.

1911: Glebe foundation club

Courtesy Melba Studios.

Although Glebe (1908-29) never actually won a first-grade premiership, the club was a strong team in rugby league's early years. This 1911 side, which finished as runners up to Eastern Suburbs, was peppered with great names such as Chris McKivat, Frank Burge and Bert Gray - all Australian internationals.

1911: McKivat's Kangaroos

Photo of players from the 1911-1912 Kangaroos tour

Courtesy Ian Heads.

Skipper Chris McKivat (far right) leads the Australians in their war cry before the first match of the 1911-12 Kangaroos tour. The team won the series with a resounding 33-8 win in the third Test. It would be another 50 years before an Australian side would defeat England in a series at home.

1912: Annandale and the NSW Rugby League

Photo of 1912 Annandale team posed out in the bush, with rocks and trees in the background.

Courtesy New South Wales Rugby League.

A club based in the inner-city suburb of Sydney, Annandale (1910-20) played an important role in the development of the New South Wales Rugby League. This 1912 team shot includes all Australian internationals Ray and Rex Norman and Lou d'Alpuget.

100 years of the game

100 years of the game

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1907: Pioneers match ball

1910: Pioneering Kangaroo

1910: Pioneer Sandy Pearce

1911: Glebe foundation club

1911: McKivat's Kangaroos

1912: Annandale and the NSW Rugby League