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 NMA Homepage > Exhibitions > League of Legends: 100 years of Rugby League in 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.

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PreviousThumbnail of fans before the 1972 grand finalThumbnail of 1972 grand finalThumbnail of 1973 grand final between Manly and Cronulla.Thumbnail of Western Division's celebration aftering winning the Amco CupThumbnail of Eastern Suburbs 1975 team photoThumbnail of Arthur Beetson in 1975Next

1975: Big Artie

Photo of Arthur 'Artie' Beetson running out onto the field before a game.

Photo: Ern McQuillan. National Library of Australia, nla.pic-vn3562098.
Arthur 'Artie' Beetson holds the honour of being the first Indigenous captain of an Australian representative side in any sport. Beetson played for Balmain, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta in the 1970s, and captained the inaugural Queensland State of Origin team in 1980. He coached Eastern Suburbs and Cronulla, and is currently a Queensland selector.



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