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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Courtesy Melba Studios.

The eldest of the three famous football-playing Norman brothers, Ray Norman started with Annandale but went on to achieve fame with other clubs. Norman played for Australia in 1914 and 1919, and later coached Eastern Suburbs to the 1923 premiership.

1917: Balmain's hat-trick

Photo of the 1917 Balmain team with the Hugh D McIntosh Shield

Courtesy Melba Studios.

Balmain dominated the New South Wales Rugby League premiership during the First World War, claiming premierships in 1915, 1916 and 1917. Pictured here with the Hugh D McIntosh Shield, the club was a formidable combination, winning all three grades in 1915 and 1916, and remaining undefeated in 1915.

1919: New South Wales Rugby League picnic day

Photo of the New South Wales Rugby League General Committee picnicking with their families and all dressed in their Sunday best

Courtesy Melba Studios.

This picture of the New South Wales Rugby League General Committee picnic presents a rarely seen side of the men who ran the game in the early years. Picnicking here with their families are such illustrious league administrators as SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, John Quinlan and Horrie Miller - all dressed in their Sunday best.

1919: New South Wales defeats New Zealand

Collection of photos from the clash between New South Wales and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1919

Courtesy Melba Studios.

This collection of images from the clash between New South Wales and New Zealand in 1919 shows the teams in action at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The New South Wales side was too strong for the Kiwis in each of their three encounters that year.

1921: Bears' golden age

Photo of the premiership winning North Sydney Bears team of 1921

Courtesy Melba Studios.

The premiership-winning North Sydney Bears teams of 1921 and 1922 were the most successful in the history of the club. The team was coached by Chris McKivat and included the great Queensland halfback Duncan Thompson. Unfortunately for North Sydney, the club was never able to repeat its early premiership success.

1924: Newtown Bluebags on tour

Courtesy Newtown Rugby League Football Club.

Sydney clubs often toured country areas to play matches and promote the code during spare weekends. This picture shows the Newtown and Laurieton teams assembled before their match in 1924, during the Bluebags' tour of the north coast of New South Wales.

100 years of the game

100 years of the game

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1914: Ray Norman

1917: Balmain's hat-trick

1919: New South Wales Rugby League picnic day

1919: New South Wales defeats New Zealand

1921: Bears' golden age

1924: Newtown Bluebags on tour