Powerhouse Museum Celebrates Centenary Of Rugby League

The exhibition explores the little-known early history of the game and its recent developments; features stories of the people who played, called and supported the game; and displays many prized treasures including trophies, photos and mementos of its legends.

Starting as a breakaway competition established in 1908 in defiance of the New South Wales Rugby Union, league has grown to become one of the most popular of Australian sports. Over 20 of the game’s most coveted trophies, cups and shields feature in the exhibition. They include the Winfield Cup, the State of Origin Shield, and the Super League Cup and Optus Cup from 1997, marking the split of the code into two rival league competitions that almost decimated the game. Other treasures on display include an assortment of early rugby league caps; the Royal Agricultural Society Shield presented in 1908 to the first competition winner and to league’s first great star, Dally Messenger, when his Eastern Suburbs team won in 1913; and renowned radio commentator Frank Hyde’s binoculars and folding card table from which he called the game for three decades.

Jerseys worn by legendary players Clive Churchill in 1948 and Tommy Raudonikis and Arthur Beetson for the first State of Origin match in 1980 are also on show. Early posters, programs, beer advertising, mascot costumes, supporters’ memorabilia and historic photos also bring to life league’s rich history. Interactive and audio visual displays will allow visitors to relive the game’s classic television and radio moments. While visitors can also take their photo with life-size action figures of some of today’s great players.

League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia was developed by the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, with the Centenary of Rugby League Committee. “From the local undersevens to the elite teams of National Rugby League, its popularity has seen league become a major sports business providing entertainment to millions of Australians,” said Guy Hansen, League of Legends Curator, National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

“For a game that occupies such a central place in Australian sporting life, its early history is surprisingly unknown to its legion of fans. We’ve got some great stories to tell and the centenary year is the perfect time to do it,” Guy said. -- www.powerhousemuseum.com