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.
Courtesy Tumut Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.
Known as the 'old tin pot', the Maher Cup was for many years one of the most contested prizes of rugby league. Neighbouring towns from southern New South Wales challenged the cup's holder for the right to wrest it from the incumbents.
Originally a rugby union cup, it was first played for as a rugby league trophy in Tumut in 1921. There were hundreds of challenges involving teams from Cootamundra, Wagga, Temora and Grenfell. The cycle was completed in 1971 when Tumut regained possession of the cup for the last time.
