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 NMA Homepage > Exhibitions > League of Legends: 100 years of Rugby League in Australia > Treasures of the game

Treasures of the game

 

Over the past 100 years, rugby league teams have been united by a common goal: the desire to bring home the trophy. Awards including the Winfield cups and the State of Origin shield inspire players and fans, capturing the competitive spirit of the game.

These trophies, along with treasured caps, footballs and other memorabilia on show in the League of Legends exhibition are a link to the great moments and personalities of the past 100 years.

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Thumbnail of the RAS Challenge ShieldThumbnail of capThumbnail of the Winfield CupThumbnail of Winfield State of Origin ShieldThumbnail of 1980 New South Wales State of Origin jerseyThumbnail of the Queensland Winfield CupNext

Royal Agricultural Society Challenge Shield, 1908-13

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Challenge Shield

Photo: Dragi Markovic.

The Royal Agricultural Society Challenge Shield was the first premiership shield of the New South Wales Rugby League.

A beautiful black mahogany shield embossed with silver, it was won by South Sydney, Newtown and Eastern Suburbs. It was presented to star Easts captain Herbert 'Dally' Messenger in 1913, after his club won the trophy three years running.

The shield is now part of the National Museum of Australia's National Historical Collection. Its association with the genesis of rugby league in Australia, and its connection to the game's first great star, make it one of the most important rugby league treasures held in a public collection in Australia.


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