'Resch's Refreshes! Resch's Beer' poster depicting an Australian representative player, about 1950s.
Australian breweries have sponsored rugby league from the game's early years. The game's image as being tough, physical and demanding suited marketers, who thought such activity was deserving of an icy cold beer.
From the 1930s to 1950s, rugby league 'pub art' commissioned by breweries featured prominently in many Sydney hotels.
