60-566: The Sydney Rugby League team , known as the City Rugby League team , or Sydney Firsts , or Sydney Capitals , is a representative rugby league team. From 2021, the men's team is to consist of players selected from the New South Wales Rugby League Ron Massey Cup competition to play against a combined team selected from Country, New South Wales competitions. The women's team is selected on
120-426: A beautiful feinting run, and then passing to Senior, on the wing, the latter scoring a pretty try. Immediately afterwards Herb Brackenrigg kicked a penalty goal for Eastern Suburbs. South Sydney now attacked strongly, and appeared likely to score, but Horrie Miller, intercepting a yard or so from his own line, raced the whole length of the ground and scored a beautiful try behind the posts. Brackenrigg converted, making
180-465: A curtain raiser to the first grade final on 30 August. With many of the Eastern Suburbs second graders required to fill in first grade for club-mates in transit to England, this was quickly changed. Sydney, defeated the third grade runner's up, Drummoyne, in the curtain-raiser, by 11 to 3. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Sydney had "an unbeaten record", however a result from 8 August in
240-461: A depleted Eastern Suburbs side to take away the inaugural premiership. Both teams were weakened by the absence of players selected to travel to England on the first Kangaroo tour . The following is a report from The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on the final between South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs. "The final match to determine the premiership in the first grade of the Rugby League
300-586: A final. The season was a financial disaster for the New South Wales Rugby Football League . The competition had a distinct lack of star players, was hurt by a number of refereeing problems and suffered from a lack of exposure from the conservative press. Many players who had switched over from rugby union were sacked from their weekday jobs and were no longer allowed to enter the Sydney Cricket Ground , home of
360-411: A fine goal, South Sydney leading by 8 points to 7. The second half proved exciting from start to finish, Eastern Suburbs at first attacked and South Sydney got out of the difficulty by forcing. South Sydney now became aggressive, the three-quarters combining very neatly. They repeatedly penetrated the defence, but could not put the finishing touch to the movements for some time. At length Levison obtained
420-493: A group of leading players and supporters met at Bateman's Hotel, George Street, Sydney and resolved to form the New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRFL). In the latter half of 1907, and unknown to the general public, Dally Messenger secretly agreed to sign on to play in a breakaway professional competition that would start the following year, run by the NSWRFL. It would turn out to be Messenger's popularity that would ensure
480-648: A permanent symbol of one of the game's most successful eras. Cast in bronze by Alan Ingham, it was the game's ultimate prize for the duration of the Winfield sponsorship from 1982 to 1995. Based on John O'Gready's world famous photograph of Norm Provan (St George) and Arthur Summons (Wests) after the 1963 Grand Final , the trophy represented the premiership pinnacle for players in the Winfield Era. The Winfield Cup captured these and many other enduring things about League in its primary image, "The Gladiators" and
540-589: A region of origin basis from the NSWRL Women's Premiership . The reorganisation in 2021 means the Sydney / City team is selected from a third-tier competition, as the Ron Massey Cup sits below the first-tier National Rugby League and the second-tier New South Wales Cup . Previously, the Sydney / City team was selected from the first-tier competition. The first match by a Sydney Metropolitan team
600-438: A scrum and passed to Conlin, on the wing. The latter dashed for the line, and scored. The kick at goal failed. South Sydney 11 points to 7. Eastern Suburbs put in fine work. Dan Frawley and Brackenrigg dribbling almost to the line. Then McNamara dropped a field goal from centre, which reduced South Sydney's lead to 2 points. McNamara almost repeated the performance a few minutes later, South Sydney rallied, and Levison getting from
660-493: A scrum at the 25 passed in to Butler, who scored. The kick at goal failed. Play now became very rough, several players being knocked out temporarily, and the referee had to administer cautions. Near time, Eastern Suburbs came with a rush, and Miller scored a good try, which Brackenrigg failed to convert. There was no further scoring, South Sydney winning by 14 points to 12. The NSWRFL also conducted Second and Third Grade competitions in this inaugural season. Matches were held on
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#1732783533487720-708: Is played before the State of Origin series and is often referred to as a selection trial for the New South Wales Blues team. The annual State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons is the most popular sporting event in NSW. Sydney has hosted many State of Origin matches since the series began in 1980. The three-game series are held in Sydney and Brisbane with
780-767: The Amco Cup , but later as the Tooth Cup and the National Panasonic Cup. The success of this competition, which included teams from both Brisbane and New Zealand, ultimately created pressure for further expansion in the NSWRFL competition. In 1980, the NSWRFL President Kevin Humphries , who had been chairman of the League since 1973, was instrumental in the establishment of the State of Origin series between teams representing
840-665: The Australian Rugby League Board of Control . At the time of his death in 1960, aged 82, he was still serving in these roles. When NSWRFL president Flegg died in 1960, Bill Buckley replaced him and also became boss of the Australian Rugby League , a position he remained in from 1960 until his death in 1973. In 1973, Kevin Humphreys was appointed President of NSWRFL and Chairman of Australian Rugby League (ARL). Under him State of Origin
900-519: The New South Wales Rugby Union . The five captains that had moved from rugby union were also publicly ostracised. The season's highest crowd came in the second round when South Sydney beat Cumberland in front of 20,000 people. Due to Cumberland having just been admitted into the premiership, this match was played 2 weeks after the other 3 games of round 2 had been completed. South Sydney consequently played their second match of
960-511: The Royal Agricultural Society Challenge Shield , which was contested by Eastern Suburbs and South Sydney . In 1908 the NSWRFL also assembled a New South Wales representative team for the first ever interstate series against Queensland , and towards the end of the season, the NSWRFL's leading players were absent, having been selected to go on the first Kangaroo tour of Great Britain . Early in
1020-480: The Tom Brock Lecture in their headquarters. NSWRFL season 1908 The 1908 NSWRFL season was the inaugural season of the New South Wales Rugby Football League 's premiership , Australia's first rugby league football club competition, in which nine clubs (eight from Sydney and one from Newcastle ) competed from April till August 1908. The season culminated in the first premiership final, for
1080-421: The "round" because of this. At the end of the season, Eastern Suburbs' Horrie Miller was the competition's top points scorer and top try scorer. The reason and exact timing of when this decision was made is unknown, and the only consequence is who was awarded the competition's first ever wooden spoon - them, or Western Suburbs. It was to be Cumberland's only season, but with 2 byes and a win, they were spared
1140-621: The 1909 season, Edward Larkin was appointed full-time secretary of the NSWRFL. In 1951, the NSWRFL originated the J.J. Giltinan Shield , following his death in 1950. This trophy was awarded to the premiers of the NSWRFL competition, being named after one of the founding fathers of the NSWRFL and rugby league in Australia. The trophy remains today, being awarded to the minor premiers of the National Rugby League competition. Following Jersey Flegg's death in 1960, Bill Buckley
1200-578: The 20th century in Sydney, the game of rugby football was contested in competitions that were affiliated with the Rugby Football Union based in England. In 1895 the breakaway Northern Rugby Football Union was formed and its own version of rugby football started to evolve. The reasons for this split were ultimately based on the fact that clubs had wanted to compensate their players for time away from work due to injuries and travelling. After
1260-648: The ACT. It did so in conjunction with the NSW Country Rugby League before their merger in 2019. In a similar way, the rival Queensland Rugby League retained responsibility for that state's Origin team and lower tier competitions. The Royal Agricultural Society Shield , or RAS Shield was the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL)'s first premiership trophy. It was presented to each year's premiership winning rugby league team;
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#17327835334871320-784: The City Origin Women's team to play on 14 May 2022 at 4 Pines Park . The team was coached by Darrin Borthwick. Head coach New South Wales Rugby League The New South Wales Rugby League Ltd ( NSWRL ) is an Australian rugby league football competition operator in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory and is a member of the Australian Rugby League Commission . It
1380-494: The City RL. Meanwhile, anyone from outside the Sydney area can be considered for selection for Country RL Team . The City squad for the 2022 Open Age Men's match against Country. The team is coached by Brett Cook. Note: Eli Levido, Manaia Rudolph, Caleb Uele (all Glebe) and Semisi Kioa (Mounties) were named in the selected squad but are not named in the programme. City v Country Women's matches were occasionally played prior to
1440-462: The NSWRFL and Queensland Rugby League (QRL). The immediate success of this series, which remains the premier representative competition in Australia, and the overriding success of the Queensland team further pressured the NSWRFL to expand the club competition outside the boundaries of the state. Sydney suburban teams came and went throughout the NSWRFL's history but it was not until 1982 that
1500-553: The NSWRL and CRL entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in relation to a possible merger. In October 2019 CRL merged with NSWRL after NSWRL agreed a new constitution and the CRL voted to wind up its affairs immediately. New South Wales is home to the following National Rugby League teams: * = Top-level Country leagues; Premiers eligible for Clayton Cup as best regional team in
1560-672: The NSWRL. Rugby league was first played in New South Wales in 1907. The New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRFL) was formed in August 1907, when player discontent with the administration of the New South Wales Rugby Union , over rejection of compensation payments for injuries and lost wages, led to a breakaway movement. Key figures in the new league were James Joseph Giltinan , legendary cricketer Victor Trumper , Alex Burdon , Peter Moir , Labor politician Henry Hoyle , George Brackenreg and Jack Feneley . The first NSWRFL game
1620-559: The Rugby Football Union denied the clubs' requests for compensation, many northern English clubs broke away and formed a new league, which implemented gradual rule changes to the football it played in an attempt to make a more attractive game for crowds. When crowd numbers started to rise, clubs were able to afford to pay players benefits as a direct result of increased gate takings. In 1906 in Sydney, crowd numbers for football matches began to increase significantly following
1680-610: The Third Grade competition: Balmain, Drummoyne, Eastern Suburbs, Glebe, Newtown, North Sydney, South Sydney, Sydney. North Sydney and South Sydney appear to have withdrawn, however, as they are not listed in the fixtures published on Saturdays in the Sydney Morning Herald in July or August. The Sydney team won the competition. Arrangements were made for the team to play the second grade premiers, Eastern Suburbs II, in
1740-635: The accreditation process for coaches, trainers, first aid and match officials. Radio coverage is presented by Steele Sports who call two games of the Intrust Super Premiership each weekend. Steele Sports includes a large team from across Sydney: Alby Talarico (founder), Curtis Woodward (lead caller), Daniel Pettigrew (lead caller), Jack Clifton, Keith 'The chairman' Payne, Tony Dosen, Lewis Shepperd, Luke Potter and Matt French. Hawkesbury Radio call Penrith Panthers matches while Alive FM call selected Wentworthville games. Each year, they host
1800-1272: The competition in the second round, making it nine teams in total, however the club exited the League at the end of the season. Formed on 23 January 1908 at Balmain Town Hall Ground: Birchgrove Oval Captain-Coach: Bob Graves Formed on 20 April 1908 at Horse and Jockey Hotel, Homebush Ground: RAS Showground Captain: Harry Bloomfield Formed on 24 January 1908 at Paddington Town Hall Ground: RAS Showground Captain: Albert Rosenfeld Formed on 9 January 1908 Ground: Wentworth Park Captain: Alex Burdon Formed on 8 February 1908 at Pike's Rooms, Bolton Street, Newcastle Captain: Stan Carpenter Formed on 8 January 1908 Ground: RAS Showground Captain: Harry Hamill Formed on 7 February 1908 Ground: Birchgrove Park Captain: Albert Broomham Formed on 17 January 1908 at Redfern Town Hall Ground: RAS Showground Coach: Arthur Hennessy Captain: Arthur Conlin Formed on 4 February 1908 Ground: Wentworth Park Captain: Jim Stack All four games of
1860-677: The competition included expansion outside of the Sydney area. This corresponded with the adoption of commercial sponsorship of the competition for the first time, the Winfield Cup . The two new inclusions were from the Australian Capital Territory – the Canberra Raiders – as well as a team from the southern New South Wales region – the Illawarra Steelers . The Winfield Cup trophy remains
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1920-611: The control of the Australian Rugby League for the 1995 season , with the inclusion of teams from North Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand. This period of expansion created tremendous success for the competition and rugby league in general. The Knock On Effect NSW Cup (formerly known as NSW Cup, VB NSW Cup, Intrust Super Premiership and Canterbury Cup NSW) is the States's top-tier competition and clubs run as direct feeders to NRL sides. Canterbury of New Zealand have naming rights from Season 2019 to Season 2020. On 24 August 2018,
1980-403: The decision were to clubs pulling their players out of the match and others cited player drain as a reason for the fixture to be culled. There was also a sentiment that the fixture had gone from being a genuine audition match for a potential New South Wales origin jersey to being a regular game as most of the New South Wales side had already been picked prior to the match starting. On 14 May 2017,
2040-503: The eight clubs that were preparing for the season. They helped advise them on the rules of rugby league. The team watched the first round of the competition before heading to Newcastle and playing the first game of rugby league in that city. They then played matches against New South Wales and Australia before heading north to Queensland. The final test was held on 6 June and Australia defeated New Zealand 14–9 for their first test win. A New Zealand Māori side had arrived in Sydney in
2100-449: The emergence of an especially talented player, Dally Messenger , whose skill was considered a pleasure to watch. It was around this time that the discontent of players with their clubs for failing to shift away from the amateur culture of the Rugby Football Union was starting to show. Even though bigger crowds had brought increased revenue to the game, footballers did not see any of the increased revenue going back to them. On 8 August 1907
2160-566: The famous trophy, like the J.J. Giltinan Shield, remains an important part of the game's heritage. The League's name was changed in 1984 to the New South Wales Rugby League and Ken Arthurson became the new chairman. In 1988, two Queensland teams joined the competition, with the inclusions of the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast-Tweed Giants seeing the game move beyond the outer borders of New South Wales. At
2220-427: The final City v Country fixture was played with NSW City defeating Country 20–8. Overall, New South Wales City were much more successful than New South Wales Country winning a total of 68 games in the annual fixture as opposed to Country's 22 wins with City winning each year from 1976 to 1991. Any players whose junior football was played for a club within the greater area of Sydney city is deemed eligible to play for
2280-618: The first and third games in one city and the second in the other. These rotate every year, so if two games are played in Sydney one year, then those games are played in Brisbane the next. The NSWRL conducts a development academy from the NSW Institute of Sport facility at Narrabeen. This facility is actively involved in the conduct of competitions and carnivals involving junior league and schools based teams. The academy also conducts several camps, focusing on development as well as running
2340-553: The first to win three successive titles would take permanent ownership of the shield. The Eastern Suburbs club achieved this feat winning premierships in 1911, 1912 and 1913. The hand crafted silver and oak designed shield was donated to the NSWRL by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales in its first year of competition. Leading journalist Claude Corbett wrote in Sydney, Sun, newspaper on, 1 May 1914, "The Royal Agricultural Society Shield, which
2400-491: The first week of June and watched the All Golds' final test. They played four matches in New South Wales before also heading north to Queensland. On their return they played three more matches, including one against Australia, before financial and legal disputes ended the tour. Eight teams contested the first round of the season; seven teams from Sydney and one team from Newcastle . Another Sydney team, Cumberland , joined
2460-402: The ignominy. The competition was decided on which side had the most premiership points at the end of the year. After the regular season had completed, the top four teams played an extra round in order break the deadlock between South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs which both ended up on 18 points. After these two teams won their respective semi-finals, a final was played. South Sydney overcame
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2520-518: The match was made an annual event began in 1928 with NSW Country defeating City 35–34. A Sydney team was assembled for the 1953 American All Stars tour of Australia and New Zealand . The first City V Country origin match occurred on 16 May 1987 with City running out winners 30–22. In 2016, it was announced by the NRL that the City V Country fixture was to be scrapped beyond the 2017 season. The reasons behind
2580-492: The premier competition. Notwithstanding the handover of control of the game at the elite level across Australia to the ARL, NSWRL retained responsibility for both the administration of the New South Wales rugby league team in State of Origin series, as well as day-to-day management of the state-based New South Wales Cup second-tier premiership, as well as junior representative competitions and divisional leagues throughout NSW and
2640-468: The premiership's opening round were played on 20 April 1908. Two games were held at Wentworth Park and the other two at Birchgrove Oval . In total, 3000 people attended at each venue for the back-to-back matches, with Glebe , Balmain , South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs winning their respective matches over Newcastle , Western Suburbs , North Sydney and Newtown . In all, ten regular-season rounds were played, to be followed by two semi-finals and then
2700-557: The re-introduction of a stand-alone match in 2017. In 2018 and 2019 the games were played within the National Championships. The 2020 National Championships were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia . In 2021 the National Championships were reorganised, and an open age City v Country Women's Origin was scheduled separately from the National Championships. The following players were selected in
2760-543: The same day that the First Grade competition commenced, Easter Monday, 20 April. Eight teams entered the Second Grade competition: Balmain, Eastern Suburbs, Enfield, Glebe, Newtown, North Sydney, South Sydney, Western Suburbs. By the end of May, however, Enfield had withdrawn. Western Suburbs were not listed to play in July or August. Eastern Suburbs were the dominant team in the grade. Arrangements were made for
2820-594: The same time, a team from the Hunter region of New South Wales was included, with the return of a Newcastle franchise. Their return was the end of an 81-year wait in the wilderness and this time around the franchise was badged the Newcastle Knights . In 1990, the NSWRL introduced a salary cap system to even the playing field of teams in the Winfield Cup. The Winfield Cup competition was handed over to
2880-500: The scores 7 points to 3 in favour of Eastern Suburbs. On resuming South Sydney obtained the upper hand, forwards and backs playing brilliantly. They made repeated dashes, but could not break through for a long time. Once Storie got across, but was tackled. Then the three-quarters made fine dashes on either wing. From the last of these, which ended on the line, Golden scored a try, which Green failed to convert. Just before half time, Edward Fry marked at Eastern Suburb's 25, and Conlin kicked
2940-647: The state. The NSWRL manages the New South Wales State of Origin team as well the NSW Residents, Jim Beam Cup, under-19s, under-17s and under-16s and Indigenous rugby league teams. These teams traditionally play against teams from the Queensland Rugby League . City vs Country is an annual match that takes place between a City side selected by the NSWRL and a Country side selected by New South Wales Country Rugby League. It
3000-440: The success of the new competition. Early in 1908, a number of Rugby Football Union clubs held meetings across Sydney and Newcastle to decide whether or not breakaway clubs should be formed in preparation for the new Rugby Football League's premiership that was to start in the following months. The popularity amongst players in support of the new competition was overwhelming, with only some players deciding to continue playing in
3060-568: The team to play two curtain raisers to representative matches, the first against a Combined Third Grade team. After the penultimate round, the Sydney Sportsman reported, "Glebe II. forfeited to Eastern Suburbs II. at the Agricultural Ground. This gives E.E. the [Second Grade] premiership, for they have been unbeaten throughout the season." Their opponents for the final round of matches also forfeited. Eight teams entered
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#17327835334873120-447: The toss, and kicked off from the southern end, an easterly wind blowing across the ground, and the sun shining strongly against them. Play hummed from the beginning. South Sydney having the better of matters, the forwards putting in splendid work. Getting the ball from the scrum repeatedly, South Sydney's backs executed several brilliant bursts, but the tackling of their opponents was very safe. However, they broke through once, Conlin making
3180-538: The traditional amateur Rugby Football Union competition. The Rugby Football League clubs that were formed were essentially breakaway clubs, and in most instances, teams continued the use of their team colours into the new competition. A key aspect of the new code was that players would be paid for playing the game. Adopting the playing rules of the rebel Northern Union of England, the new competition began on Easter Monday, 20 April 1908. The 1907–08 All Golds arrived back in Australia on 9 April. They spread themselves around
3240-528: Was held in 1909 against New Zealand. The first match against a Country representative team was held in 1911. Matches by Sydney against international touring teams continued until the 1970s. Annual matches by City against Country were played in most years until 1993. A City vs Country Origin match was introduced in 1987 and this ran until 2017, with a three season hiatus in 1998 to 2000. The New South Wales City team first competed against New South Wales Country on 10 June 1911 which City won 2–8. The first time
3300-496: Was introduced. In 1983, Humphreys was succeeded in these positions by Ken Arthurson . Under Arthurson, the NSWRFL was succeeded by the New South Wales Rugby League Ltd (NSWRL) and the clubs in the league expanded outside the borders of the state and even the country until, in 1994, after the 87th consecutive premiership season, the Australian Rugby League (ARL) replaced the NSWRL in the operation of
3360-556: Was made the NSWRFL's new president. In 1967, the NSWRFL grand final became the first football grand final of any code to be televised live in Australia. The Nine Network had paid $ 5,000 for the broadcasting rights. In 1973, NSWRFL boss Kevin Humphreys negotiated rugby league's first television deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation . The NSWRFL had commenced a very popular and successful mid-week competition in 1974, originally known as
3420-415: Was played on 17 August 1907, in which a New Zealand team defeated a NSW team 12–8. The Sydney premiership was started on 20 April 1908. Nine teams contested the initial season. These were the nine teams: The NSWRFL premiership was continued on the basis of the first competition in 1908 . In 1929, Jersey Flegg was appointed to the position of president of the NSWRFL and in 1941 he became chairman of
3480-550: Was played on the Agricultural Society's Ground on Saturday in perfect weather. The match was shorn of much interest on account of prominent members of both teams being absent, on their way to England. In accordance with the League rules, one-third of the profits of the match will be devoted to charity. The game, which was brilliant, and at times rather rough, resulted in a victory for South Sydney by 14 points to 12. The winners deserved their victory. South Sydney lost
3540-468: Was presented at the inception of the League's first grade competition has been won outright by Eastern Suburbs, who upset all calculations by winning the premiership three years in succession. The club has presented the shield to their captain, Dally Messenger , 'as a token of appreciation of his captaincy'." In 1929, Jersey Flegg was appointed to the position of president of the NSWRFL. Midway through
3600-520: Was registered on 21 December 1983 and succeeded the New South Wales Rugby Football League which had been formed in Sydney on 8 August 1907. The NSWRFL and then NSWRL operated Sydney's, then New South Wales' and eventually Australia's premier rugby league club competition from 1908 to 1994 . The organisation administers the New South Wales rugby league team . The following clubs are the direct full member clubs of
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