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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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1947: Balmain's class of '47

Photo of 1947 Balmain Rugby League team

Courtesy Melba Studios.

The Balmain sides of the mid-1940s rank as some of the best in the club's long history. Names such as Harry Bath, Pat Devery, Bobby Lulham, Joe Jorgenson and Tommy Bourke helped them to premierships in 1944, 1946 and 1947.