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 original League of Legends exhibition are a link to the great moments and personalities of the past 100 years.
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Signed football
Courtesy Australian and New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.
Bulimba Cup, 1925-72
Courtesy Queensland Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.
Maher Cup, 1919-71
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.
Premiership match football
Courtesy Tumut Rugby League Football Club.
Arch Foley Shield, 1948-present
Courtesy Queensland Rugby League Northern Division. Photo: Lannon Harley.
In Far North Queensland the Arch Foley shield symbolised all that was desirable in rugby league. Named after a leading player from Townsville in the 1920s, the shield has been in competition since 1948. It has been won by teams as far afield as Herbert River, Innisfail and Whitsunday.
After a break in competition in 1995, Foley Shield football recommenced in 2000, with Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Mount Isa competing for what is now one of the oldest rugby league trophies still in competition.
Courtney Trans-Tasman Cup, 1935-72
Courtesy Australian and New South Wales Rugby League. Photo: Lannon Harley.
New Zealand businessman Roy Courtney donated the Trans-Tasman Cup, for competition between New Zealand and Australia. The cup depicts a game of football played beneath the majestic peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont).
