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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.

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PreviousThumbnail of 1980 State of Origin matchThumbnail of scoreboard at Henson Park in 1982Thumbnail of coach Jack Gibson with players on a bus in 1983Thumbnail of Terry Lamb after 1984 grand finalThumbnail of Prime Minister Bob Hawke and the Canterbury-Bankstown players in 1984Thumbnail of Bob Fulton and referee Mick Stone after a match in 1985.Next

1980: Mate against mate

Photo of a scuffle during the first State of Origin match in 1980.

Photo: Newspix/News Limited.

Arthur Beetson is involved in a scuffle during the first State of Origin match in 1980. Beetson's passion for the maroon jersey electrified his team mates and sparked them to a 20-10 win that created a legend and reinvigorated interstate football.