Centenary of Rugby League

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Centenary Sneak Peak



THE CLOCK is ticking. After 100 years of the glorious, gritty and gallant, the Centenary of Rugby League is almost upon us.
The Queensland Rugby League has issued preliminary details briefly outlining activities for the coming 2008 season.
Full particulars, including all events, activities, initiatives and supporting partners for the entire Centenary of League program will be announced at a VIP function held by the Australian Rugby League in Sydney on Wednesday, August 8.

However the QRL is able to reveal a few brief snippets pertaining to activities in Queensland. Call it a teaser if you will.
It is stressed the following activities represent only a small sample of the actual events planned, with infinite scope for Divisions, leagues, clubs, teams and other organisations within Queensland to still celebrate the Centenary and build upon official activities.


QRL CENTENARY EVENTS

Friday March 28, 2008
Anniversary of the establishment of the Queensland Rugby Association in 1908.

The QRL to host a VIP function at Suncorp Stadium to mark this important Centenary anniversary.
Anticipation is of an all-Queensland NRL derby game between the Broncos and Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on the Friday night to coincide with the function, taking place at the same venue beforehand. It is expected the Gold Coast Titans would be afforded a home game on the same weekend.


Weekend April 18-21, 2008
Anniversary of the first ever Premiership round on April 20, 1908.

The NRL to schedule a ‘Heritage Round’ to mark the important anniversary, with all NRL clubs competing in heritage jerseys.
Non-foundation clubs would play against teams which entered the national competition in the same period of time. The proposal would most likely see the Brisbane Broncos play the Gold Coast Titans and the North Queensland Cowboys play the New Zealand Warriors.


Tuesday June 10, 2008
100 Years of Queensland v New South Wales – Brisbane

An anniversary of the first interstate match between Queensland and New South Wales in 1908.
Celebrating a hundred years of cross-border rivalry. A major function will be held in Brisbane to mark a century of interstate rugby league, which commenced on July 11 1908.
There will be a mix of invited guests and corporate hospitality purchasers at the chosen venue.
The QRL will incorporate the launch of its official Centenary book, a full chronicle of the history of the game in Queensland.
Game II of the 2008 Harvey Norman State of Origin series will be held the following night, June 11, 2008 at Suncorp Stadium.


April-July 2008
Toyota Centenary Cup Regional Competition

The QRL in conjunction with the Centenary Committee has sanctioned the development of a regional competition to find the best rugby league region in Australia on an annual basis.
The concept provides a knockout tournament, similar to the FA Cup, to identify the best QLD Country and NSW Country teams.
The two finalists will play in the Centenary Cup Final prior to the third match of the 2008 Harvey Norman State of Origin series, held in Sydney on July 2, 2008.
Aside from engaging regional centres in the Centenary the competition will importantly leave an ongoing legacy for the game.


October/November 2008
2008 Rugby League World Cup

Culminating with the World Cup final at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on November 22.
The Cup begins October 25 and, aside from the final, Queensland is guaranteed of hosting one semi final and at least three pool matches.
Robina, Townsville and another regional centre are under heavy consideration to host games.


PROJECTS WITHIN CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

Further to the events above there will be a vast array of events, awards and programs touching on all spheres from volunteers, historians, journalists, referees, schoolchildren and places of historical interest.
As stated earlier, full details of these exciting initiatives will be unveiled August 8. Keep your eyes peeled for further information.


* Don’t forget to register with the QRL Centenary Database at www.qrl.com.au . Enter your details and history in the game so we can keep you up-to-date with developments and make sure you are first booked when tickets to events and products go on sale! *

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Kangaroos, NZ in centenary clash

AUSTRALIA will play New Zealand on May 9 next year at the Sydney Cricket Ground to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first league Test between the two countries in 1908.
The Test match is part of the centenary of rugby league celebrations unveiled in Sydney today, and both sides will mark the occasion by wearing 1968 replica jerseys.
The Australian Rugby League today announced a range of other events to celebrate the 100 years since rugby league started, including naming the 100 greatest players to be announced at the Captains' Ball on April 16 next year.
The annual NSW City-Country match will be played at Wollongong on May 2, a week prior to the Centenary Test.
Next year's NRL season will kick off on March 14.
Foundation clubs Sydney Roosters and South Sydney will meet in the first round, while West Tigers will play at the SCG and the Gold Coast will open its season at its new home ground, Skilled Park.
As part of year-long celebrations, all 400 NRL players from the 16 teams will hold a fans' day at Telstra Stadium on February 2 next year, the biggest public supporters' event in the game's history.

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League Still Making History 100 Years On

One hundred years from the day of the meeting that launched the game in Australia, Rugby League today unveiled a 2008 Centenary year celebration that will provide a springboard to the next century of the greatest game of all.



Historically accurate re-enactments of the August 8, 1907 meeting that gave birth to the NSWRL, and of the later All Golds match, provided the perfect backdrop to the game’s Centenary year launch.
2008 will see such events as tributes to the game’s greatest players and greatest teams, a season calendar that will mark the greatest moments in the game’s history, a National Museum Exhibition that will travel Australia’s East Coast, regional celebrations, a celebration of the birth of the Kangaroos, tributes to the game’s volunteers and a host of other activities.
Fans will be able to share in the game’s history through heritage jersey ranges, written histories, the most comprehensive video in the game’s history, websites and weekly celebrations of the game’s past, present and future.
“It’s an enormous undertaking that includes celebrations in metropolitan and regional areas,” Centenary Committee Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said today.
The call to arms that started it all - from James J Giltinan in 1907 - found voice again today as the members of Actors Centre Australia gathered at the Entertainment Quarter’s Hoyts Cinema under the direction of historian Ian Heads to recreate the mood of the first clandestine NSWRL meeting at Bateman’s Crystal Hotel, George Street, on the night of August 8.
The game’s next generation then linked with the game’s very first - re-enacting the All Golds match that began it all.
On the same Agricultural Ground that was used in 1907, students from the William Carey Christian School, the Sutherland Shire Christian School and the Bankstown Grammar School demonstrated the 1908 rules, as adjudicated by Steve Clark and outlined by historian Sean Fagan.
NSWRL and ARL Chairman Mr Colin Love AM, NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop and officials from each of the game’s governing bodies declared the Centenary would be a game-wide celebration for every Rugby League fan, participant and volunteer.
“One hundred years ago today James J Giltinan, Henry Hoyle and Victor Trumper advanced a plan that would change the face of sport in Australia,” Mr Love said today.
“The milestones around the 2008 season are many, from the first Premiership matches to the Centenary Test, and there is a place for everyone in those celebrations.”
Mr Gallop said that the Centenary was a chance to bring everyone in Rugby League even closer together.
“Whether you follow a team in its second season, such as the Titans, or one that dates back to 1908, you will be a part of an historic year for the game,” Mr Gallop said.
“Where we are today is the result of the efforts of generations of players, fans, volunteers and administrators.
“In paying tribute to them it is important that we spend time acknowledging where they have led us - and where we aim to be in the next 100 years.”
The Centenary program has been 18 months in the planning under the direction of a game-wide Centenary Committee chaired by Mr Love and including: David Gallop, the Hon John Fahey, Ross Livermore, Denis Fitzgerald, Geoff Carr, Steve Noyce, Ian Heads, Geoff Armstrong, Paul Kind, Ron Coote, Max Howell and John Brady.
A Centenary Historian’s Committee has also gathered the foremost authorities on the sport’s history including Ian Heads, David Middleton, Sean Fagan, Max Howell, Geoff Armstrong, Alan Clarkson and Gary Lester to advise on every aspect of the Centenary planning.
The Queensland Rugby League has supported the year with a local Centenary Committee that will integrate a range of activities across the state into the game-wide calendar.
“A lot of work has gone in to ensure that we acknowledge the Queensland pioneers and the interstate rivalries that have been at the heart of the game’s success,” QRL Chairman, Mr John McDonald, said.
“We’re delighted by the enthusiasm shown by all QRL Divisions and it’s going to be a great year for the game.”
The year-long calendar of celebrations will incorporate key moments in each club’s history, landmark events in the Telstra Premiership, the Centenary Test, the Centenary year State of Origin series and, finally, the Centenary World Cup.
“It’s a huge program to undertake, one that will ensure a year-long celebration that will in itself live on in the memory of fans and players alike,” Mr Love said.

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Commemoration Recognises Fabric of Game



ONE hundred years from the meeting that launched the game in Australia, Rugby League this week unveiled a 2008 Centenary year celebration that will provide a springboard to the next century of the greatest game of all.
Historically accurate re-enactments of the August 8, 1907 meeting that gave birth to Rugby League in Australia, and of the later All Golds match, provided the perfect backdrop to the game’s Centenary year launch.
The Year 2008 will see such events as tributes to the game’s greatest players and greatest teams, a season calendar that will mark the greatest moments in the game’s history, a National Museum Exhibition that will travel Australia’s East Coast, regional celebrations, a celebration of the birth of the Kangaroos, tributes to the game’s volunteers and a host of other activities.
Fans will be able to share in the game’s history through heritage jersey ranges, written histories, the most comprehensive video in the game’s history, websites and weekly celebrations of the game’s past, present and future.
“It’s an enormous undertaking that includes celebrations in metropolitan and regional areas,” Centenary Committee Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said today.
The call to arms that started it all - from James J Giltinan in 1907 - found voice again today as the members of Actors Centre Australia gathered at the Entertainment Quarter’s Hoyts Cinema under the direction of historian Ian Heads to recreate the mood of the first clandestine league meeting at Bateman’s Crystal Hotel, George Street, Sydney, on the night of August 8.
The game’s next generation then linked with the game’s very first - re-enacting the All Golds match that began it all.
On the same Agricultural Ground that was used in 1907, students from the William Carey Christian School, the Sutherland Shire Christian School and the Bankstown Grammar School demonstrated the 1908 rules, as adjudicated by Steve Clark and outlined by historian Sean Fagan.
QRL Chairman John McDonald, NSWRL and ARL Chairman Mr Colin Love AM and NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop joined officials from each of the game’s governing bodies in declaring the Centenary would be a game-wide celebration for every Rugby League fan, participant and volunteer.
“One hundred years ago today James J Giltinan, Henry Hoyle and Victor Trumper advanced a plan that would change the face of sport in Australia,” Mr Love said today.
“The milestones around the 2008 season are many, from the first Premiership matches to the Centenary Test, and there is a place for everyone in those celebrations.”
Mr Gallop said that the Centenary was a chance to bring everyone in Rugby League even closer together.
“Whether you follow a team in its second season, such as the Titans, or one that dates back to 1908, you will be a part of an historic year for the game,” Mr Gallop said.
“Where we are today is the result of the efforts of generations of players, fans, volunteers and administrators.
“In paying tribute to them it is important that we spend time acknowledging where they have led us - and where we aim to be in the next 100 years.”
The Centenary program has been 18 months in the planning under the direction of a game-wide Centenary Committee chaired by Mr Love and including: David Gallop, the Hon John Fahey, Ross Livermore, Denis Fitzgerald, Geoff Carr, Steve Noyce, Ian Heads, Geoff Armstrong, Paul Kind, Ron Coote, Max Howell and John Brady.
A Centenary Historian’s Committee has also gathered the foremost authorities on the sport’s history including Ian Heads, David Middleton, Sean Fagan, Max Howell, Geoff Armstrong, Alan Clarkson and Gary Lester to advise on every aspect of the Centenary planning.
The Queensland Rugby League has supported the year with a local Centenary Committee that will integrate a range of activities across the state into the game-wide calendar.
“A lot of work has gone in to ensure that we acknowledge the Queensland pioneers and the interstate rivalries that have been at the heart of the game’s success,” QRL Chairman, Mr John McDonald, said.
“We’re delighted by the enthusiasm shown by all QRL Divisions and it’s going to be a great year for the game.”
The year-long calendar of celebrations will incorporate key moments in each club’s history, landmark events in the Telstra Premiership, the Centenary Test, the Centenary year State of Origin series and, finally, the Centenary World Cup.
“It’s a huge program to undertake, one that will ensure a year-long celebration that will in itself live on in the memory of fans and players alike,” Mr Love said

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Narrow your eyes, and it could be 1907 … players re-enact a match between the new NSWRL and New Zealand at the then Agricultural Ground, now Fox Studios.
Photo: Craig Golding

So many legends, so few slots …

" 'CHANG' will get your vote, won't he?" the Herald asked one of the judges charged with the responsibility of picking league's Australian team of the century.
"Is the Pope a Catholic?" he replied, before adding: "You'd better not print that. We've only just started the process of picking the best 100 players, let alone the best team."
Don't worry, you're not telling us any real secrets. It would only be a shock if Graeme Langlands, one of the game's Immortals, was not included in the best team that will be named as part of league's extensive celebrations to mark its centenary next year.
But just where would you put him? The St George star was a great fullback or centre, but if you put him at fullback, then what do you do with Clive Churchill? And what if Andrew Johns is halfback and Wally Lewis five-eighth? Does that mean the versatile Bob Fulton being included in the centres, with Reg Gasnier?
It's too hard already, so let's leave it to the judges … for now. We'll all have our say, along the way. Langlands, who was a guest at yesterday's launch in Sydney of the centenary year, had no doubt about how difficult a process picking the team would be.
"I don't know how they're going to do it," he said. "It's going to be hard. The selectors are going to have to consider a lot of players they never saw play because it was so long ago, and that's got to be difficult. Plus, you've to weigh up players who played in different eras and under different rules. It'll be interesting to see how they go about it."
But whatever line-up the judges settle on, you know it can't help but be fabulous. And who wouldn't want to be a part of it? Asked how he would feel if named, Langlands replied: "It would be a great honour."
If the launch was a guide to how the centenary celebrations will go, the game is in for a great 2008. It was a terrific occasion, marked by re-enactments, using actors, of meetings that led to the formation of the NSWRL and the luring of Dally Messenger from rugby union to league.
The re-enactment scripts were written by veteran journalist, author and historian Ian Heads, who is part of a committee plotting the game's celebration schedule. Heads has a lifelong love of the game and his feeling for it came out in his faithful re-creation of events that used J. J. Giltinan, Henry Hoyle, the great cricketer of the time, Victor Trumper, and Messenger as central figures.
"It's a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in this," Heads told the Herald. "I was a fan of the game before I became a journalist and started covering games back in 1963. I remember sitting in the old press box at Cumberland Oval, which had a bullet hole in the glass. I don't know what happened there.
"It means a hell of a lot to me to be involved in the centenary planning and it's very important to all of us on the committee that we get it right. After all, you only get one crack at a centenary."
Just how big an occasion it was for the game yesterday became clear when former league boss John Quayle appeared. Quayle and Ken Arthurson, who was also there, led the fight for the ARL in the Super League war and left league management once it was over. Yesterday was the first time Quayle had attended a league function since.
"They have never forgotten us, they were wonderful to keep inviting us to functions," Quayle said. "I've been overseas a lot and many times I wasn't here [to attend functions]. It was great to be acknowledged, but, yes, it was also important for me to move on.
"But league has been my life and that doesn't change. You don't lose the time that I came through as a player and then to be able to administrate at a time of great change. I was always passionate about the history of the game, but it reminded me today about how it all started."
It was announced that the celebrations would include a fan day at Telstra Stadium on February 2, at which all 16 NRL clubs would be represented by 400 players.
"I'm sure the fans will flock to that one," said ARL chairman Colin Love. "Who knows, we might fill the stadium. How good would that be?"


CENTENARY YEAR CELEBRATIONS

February 2: Fan day at Telstra Stadium featuring all 16 clubs and 400 players.
March-July: Centenary Cup. A grassroots knockout competition to find the best bush footy team in Australia.
March 5: Season launch of the 2008 premiership.
March 7: Opening of the Treasures of the Game exhibition at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.
March 14-17: Round 1 of the premiership.
April 16: Captains' Table- Centenary Ball in Sydney. Team of the Century named.
April 18-21: Anniversary of the first premiership round. Each team will play in heritage jerseys.
May 9: Centenary Test at the SCG to mark the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in 1908. Both teams will wear heritage jerseys.
May 21: State of Origin I at Telstra Stadium. Both teams will wear heritage jerseys. NSW Team of the Century named.
August 27: Anniversary of the first premiership final in 1908 - Easts v Souths.
October 5: Grand final at Telstra Stadium.
October 25-November 22: The Centenary World Cup. Final at Suncorp Stadium. Ten nations will compete.

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Country Footy Gets FA Cup Style Tournament



RUGBY League in the bush will be a key feature of the game's Centenary with plans for the largest grass-roots celebrations undertaken in the game’s history.
The Toyota Centenary Cup and the Harvey Norman Regional Celebrations will provide opportunities for country areas to honour their individual Rugby League histories.
Across regional and metropolitan areas, every registered player in 2008 will proudly wear the Centenary logo on their playing jersey.
Centenary plaques will be commissioned throughout city and country areas to recognise places of key historic significance in the game, while the sport’s living treasures - the thousands of volunteers who support the game each week - will also be honoured in 2008.
The wide-reaching Toyota Centenary Cup, in NSW and Queensland, will be a knock-out competition aimed at finding the best bush footy team in Australia.
Every Queensland region and NSW Country Group will be represented with the best team from each state showcasing their talents in front of a packed Telstra Stadium crowd on the night of State of Origin Three.
While the Toyota Centenary Cup will bring the top bush teams to the city for its finale, the Harvey Norman Regional Celebration Program will see former greats return to their home towns to honour each town’s proud Rugby League history.
The day-long celebration in each selected town will feature a tribute to local footy heroes, a traditional derby between two Rugby League rivals, ARL skills clinics and will conclude with a spectacular entertainment program featuring one of Australia’s leading Country and Western performers.
The National Museum of Australia will assist in erecting a Rugby League Museum in each local Harvey Norman store two weeks prior to the celebration. The exhibition will showcase a collection of local memorabilia of historic significance as well as a presentation of the game’s history.
“The Harvey Norman Regional Celebrations present an ideal opportunity for communities to get involved in the Centenary program,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.
“The enthusiasm shown by local Rugby League supporters and community leaders in each region has been overwhelming.
“While the program itself can only target a limited number of centres, we have engaged representatives from surrounding areas to ensure each of the 10 celebrations is embraced by the whole region.”
Whether they play in the bush or the city, every registered Rugby League player in 2008, from under 6s to the Telstra Premiership, will have the opportunity to display the Centenary of Rugby League logo on their playing jersey.
“One of the Centenary Committee’s key objectives was to ensure the entire Rugby League community was involved in the celebration,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said.
“The badge will give every player who pulls on a jersey, whether it is for the Cessnock Goannas or the Kangaroos, a sense of pride in the knowledge that they are part of the one hundred years celebrations.
“Even if you are a kid playing for the first time you’ll feel part of the game’s history.”
The 10 locations for the Harvey Norman Regional celebrations are:


March
19 Nowra Including Groups 16, Group 7 & Illawarra

April
9 Toowoomba South West Queensland
30 Dubbo Including Groups 14, 11 & Outback League

May
14 Wagga Including Groups 6, 8, 9, 17 & 20
28 Coffs Harbour Including Groups 1, 2, 3 & 18

June
18 Tamworth Including Groups 4, 10 & 19

July
16 Mt Isa North West Queensland

August
6 Rockhampton Central Queensland
27 Cairns North Queensland

September
10 Mackay Central North Queensland

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2008 Centenary Events Calendar

January 2008
• The naming of Rugby League’s 100 greatest players
Rugby League will celebrate its most famous year to date with one of the debates of the century. A team of expert judges has been compiled to name the 100 greatest players of all time. The names of the selected players will be unveiled at the start of 2008.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008
• Newtown Centenary Anniversary

Thursday, January 17, 2008
• Souths Centenary Anniversary

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
• Balmain Centenary Anniversary – Celebration at Balmain Town Hall

Thursday, January 24, 2008
• Roosters Centenary Anniversary


February 2008

Saturday, February 2, 2008
• Centenary Fan Day at Telstra Stadium
The Centenary celebrations will kickoff with a huge public fan day featuring all 16 NRL clubs and 400 NRL players at Telstra Stadium. Rugby League fans of all ages can take part in a host of activities, including ARL skills clinics, autograph signings and kicking competitions in what is certain to be the biggest public fan event in the game’s history.

Monday, February 4, 2008
• Western Suburbs Centenary Anniversary – Plaque unveiling event

Thursday, February 7, 2008
• North Sydney Centenary Anniversary


March 2008

March – September
• Harvey Norman Regional Celebrations
Rugby League will celebrate the contribution regional Australia has made to the game over a 100-year period by hosting 10 Regional Celebrations across New South Wales and Queensland.
Local footy heroes will be invited back to their home town for a day-long celebration, which will also feature a traditional “local derby” between two Rugby League rivals, ARL skills clinics and a host of community-oriented activities.
A Rugby League museum will be erected in each local Harvey Norman store two weeks prior to each Regional Celebration, showcasing a collection of local memorabilia as well as a selection of artefacts from the National Museum of Australia’s exhibition.
The Harvey Norman Regional Celebrations will commence in Nowra on March 19 and conclude in Mackay on September 10. Please refer to attached Press Release for detailed information including all 10 regional locations and dates.

March – July
• Toyota Centenary Cup
The Toyota Centenary Cup is a grass-roots knock-out competition to find the best bush footy team in Australia.
Every NSW Country Group and Queensland region will be represented with the best team from each state showcasing their talents in front of a packed Telstra Stadium crowd as the curtain raiser to State of Origin Three.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008
• Season Launch of the 2008 Telstra Premiership
The NRL will host the official launch of the 2008 Telstra Premiership in Sydney, highlighting Rugby League’s heritage and commemorating the start of the game’s Centenary season.

Friday, March 7, 2008
• Official opening of the National Museum of Australia exhibition – Canberra
The National Museum of Australia will mark the Centenary of Rugby League with a major exhibition showcasing rare ‘treasures of the game’ in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney and Townsville throughout 2008.
The exhibition will officially open in March at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and feature an array of priceless Rugby League memorabilia, including the Royal Agricultural Society Shield – the game’s inaugural Premiership trophy.
A host of Rugby League legends will attend the official opening on Friday, March 7, while the Canberra Raiders will celebrate the official public opening the following day by hosting a fan day.
For detailed information, including dates and venues, please refer to separate Press Release.

Thursday, March 13, 2008
• NSW Referees Association – Centenary anniversary celebrations
A celebration of the history of the Referees Association and their contribution to the development of Rugby League.

March 14/15/16/17, 2008
• Round 1 of the 2008 NRL Telstra Premiership
Two of the game’s pioneers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters, will be scheduled at Telstra Stadium in Round 1 as a Centenary feature match.
Wests Tigers will host a match at the SCG while the Gold Coast Titans will welcome the opening of their new home ground, Skilled Park.

Friday, March 28, 2008
• Anniversary of the establishment of the Queensland Rugby Association in 1908.
An esteemed list of Rugby League legends will gather at Suncorp Stadium for a function to mark the 100-year anniversary of a governing body in Queensland. Round 3 of the Telstra Premiership will incorporate a Queensland weekend, featuring the Brisbane Broncos and North Qld Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium and the Gold Coast Titans playing at Skilled Park.


April 2008

Friday, April 11, 2008
• Newcastle Centenary Anniversary

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
• Captains’ Table Centenary Ball
A Centenary Ball will be held in Sydney on the eve of the anniversary of the Premiership’s first round. This will be the game’s premier corporate Centenary event, honouring players past and present and giving the public a chance to purchase tables at the ball. A highlight of the evening will be the naming of the official Team of the Century.

April 18/19/20/21, 2008
• Anniversary of the first ever Premiership round on April 20, 1908
One hundred years since those gallant pioneers first lined up for their teams in the Premiership, the NRL will schedule a “Heritage Round”.
This is certain to be one of the biggest rounds of Rugby League in history, with NRL clubs scheduled to play against each other on the basis of the eras they first entered the competition. Each team will play in heritage jerseys honoring their own club’s proud history.
Heritage Round
– Wests Tigers v Souths - Parramatta v Manly
– Newcastle v Roosters - Cowboys v Warriors
– Bulldogs v Dragons - Cronulla v Penrith
– Broncos v Titans - Storm v Raiders

Saturday, April 19, 2008
• Premier League match between foundation clubs North Sydney and Newtown at North Sydney Oval

Sunday, April 20, 2008
• Premier League match between foundation clubs Balmain and Wests at Birchgrove Oval
This famous oval was the scene of one of the first matches, along with Wentworth Park, and remains a treasured part of the game’s history.

Friday, April 25, 2008
• Anzac Day match - Dragons v Roosters - Sydney Football Stadium
As well as continuing a modern-day tradition between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters, this event will celebrate Rugby League’s links with the Defence Forces over the past century.


May 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
• City v Country - Wollongong
WIN Stadium, Wollongong has been chosen by the Country Rugby League to host the City v Country match during the Centenary year. The week’s activities and the match itself will showcase the contribution of country and regional areas to the development of Rugby League over the past century.

Friday, May 9, 2008
• Centenary Test - Sydney Cricket Ground
• Anniversary of the first ever Test between Australia and New Zealand in 1908
The Test between Australia and New Zealand marks 100 years to the day since these two countries played on May, 9, 1908. The Test will be played on the historic Sydney Cricket Ground with both teams wearing heritage replica jerseys.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
• First State of Origin game in the 2008 series - Telstra Stadium
The 2008 Harvey Norman State of Origin series will celebrate a century of interstate Rugby League rivalry, with both teams wearing 1908 heritage jerseys. The NSW Team of the Century will be presented to the crowd.

June 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
• 100 Years of Queensland v New South Wales function - Brisbane
A gala Black Tie event will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre to mark a century of interstate Rugby League between Queensland and New South Wales. A host of Rugby League legends from both states will be in the expected 1900 attendance, with a feature of the evening to be the announcement of the Queensland Team of the Century.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
• Harvey Norman State of Origin Game Two - Suncorp Stadium
Queensland will present their Team of the Centenary as part of a spectacular pre- game entertainment program.


July 2008

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
• Harvey Norman State of Origin Game Three - Telstra Stadium
The match that has decided so many Origin series in the past will take on unprecedented significant in the game’s Centenary.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
• Balmain Hall of Fame Dinner - Westin Hotel Sydney

August 2008
South Sydney - Back to Redfern Street Fair & Concert - DATE TO BE CONFIMRED

Centenary International Schoolboys Series
A Test Series to be played between the Australian Schoolboys and England Academy at various locations throughout August.

Saturday, August 4 - Monday, August 6, 2008
• Centenary All Schools Carnival
More than 5000 schoolboy players will take part in a Rugby League knock-out competition through out Australia.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
• Anniversary of the first ever Premiership Final in 1908 - Easts v Souths
One of the great rivalries in Australian sport will be reignited during Round 25 as the Roosters and Rabbitohs battle it out in honour of the first Premiership final 100 years ago.


September 2008

Friday, September 19, 2008
• Western Suburbs Black and White Ball


October 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008
• Men of League Ball - Sydney
Each year The Men of League Ball brings together players from the past to honour champions and help those in need. A century of Rugby League camaraderie will be on show during one of the most special sporting nights of the year.

Sunday, October 5, 2008
• 2008 NRL Grand Final – Telstra Stadium
The 2008 Premiers are destined to hold a special place in the game’s rich history and Grand Final day will honour that occasion in spectacular fashion.

Saturday, October 25 – Saturday, November 22, 2008
• The Centenary World Cup – Final to be played at Suncorp Stadium
Ten nations will compete in the crowning moment of the 2008 Centenary
Year. The World Cup will be the first on Australian soil since 1977.

[Retread]

Unique Centenary Coin On Sale

IT is a rare tribute reserved for the truly great moments in Australian sport, and the Centenary of Rugby League has been honoured with that status.
The Royal Australian Mint last night unveiled a first for Rugby League by releasing a commemorative $1 coin celebrating the Centenary of the game in Australia.
NRL Chief Executive David Gallop, ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr and Raiders captain Alan Tongue, were among the guests at the launch at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.
The first dedicated Rugby League coin the Royal Australian Mint has produced features the Centenary of Rugby League logo in a design that represents the game’s anniversary theme of ‘inspiring the future’.
While the coin is legal tender, it won’t be released into general circulation, making it a valuable and sought-after memento for coin collectors around the world as well as for Rugby League fans seeking a unique piece of Centenary memorabilia.
“Commemorative coins have marked some of the landmark events in Australian history and it’s a tribute to the game that the Centenary of Rugby League is being included in that company,” Gallop said.
“It is a unique collectible for fans and a symbol of the significant place rugby league holds in our community.”
Mr Carr added: “The Centenary is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration and a tribute like this reflects the importance it holds for rugby league fans across the country.
“We thank the Royal Australian Mint for this honour.”
Janine Murphy, the Chief Executive of the Royal Australian Mint, said:
“Rugby league is one of Australia’s favourite sports whether you are a player, or spectator.
“It is steeped in tradition, with great players and great matches becoming part of Australia’s folklore.
“The Royal Australian is therefore thrilled to mark the Centenary of this great game through the release of this specially designed coin.
“The Royal Australian Mint is honouring this significant sporting milestone because we recognise the important role rugby league has played in the Australian community and culture over the last 100 years.
“The Royal Australian Mint is very proud of this first coin in a series commemorating the Centenary of Rugby League.
“Coin collectors and gift purchasers will need to stay tuned in early 2008 to see what our next coin in the Centenary of Rugby League series has to offer.”
The coin, which sells for $12.95, will be released on November 1.

[Retread]

WIN ONE OF TWO COPIES OF '100 YEARS OF RUGBY LEAGUE'
Wednesday 19 Dec 2007 16:03
No author stated



Rugby League more than just another sport ... for generations of fans it has been, and continues to be, a way of life. 100 Years of Rugby League, written by respected rugby league authors Ian Collis and Alan Whiticker (The History Rugby League Clubs), marks both the 100th anniversary of the birth of the game in Australia and 100 seasons of professional rugby league that have followed. Two volumes of rugby league history; over 600 pages and almost 1,000 images, many never before published; season records and international details. Each season is dealt with in detail, written in a style that places the reader at many of the game's most dramatic and emotional events, and is supported by rare photos, irreplaceable memorabilia and essentials statistics.

'This book has been a labour of love for Ian and me for several years,' says co-author Alan Whiticker. 'We wanted to publish something special; something more than just another history book ... that's been done before. With Ian's incredible collection of rugby league memorabilia and countless stories, the famous, infamous and those not so well known, 100 Years of Rugby League devotes chapters to every single year over the past century. It's a very handsome book ... leather-bound and in an easy to use slip case ... a must for of all rugby league fans or for anyone who wants to know more about the origins and history of the game.'

• Volume I: 1907-1966 ... the arrival of the New Zealand 'All Golds'; the establishment of Sydney district rugby league clubs; the promotion of new clubs such as Canterbury, Manly and Parramatta; the record of the great St George club to win eleven consecutive premierships (1956-66) ... and generations of champion players such as 'Dally' Messenger, Chris McKivat, Dave Brown, Clive Churchill, Reg Gasnier and Johnny Raper.
• Volume II: 1967-2007 ... the start of the 'limited tackle' era; the decentralisation of the Sydney Rugby League premiership; Australia's international dominance and the arrival of State of Origin; the Super League war and the reunification of a National Rugby League competition ... the emergence of new champions such as Graeme Langlands, Bob Fulton, Arthur Beetson, Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns.

100 Years of Rugby League is on sale now at all good book shops and retails for $100.

Two lucky rleague.com readers have the opportunity to win a copy of 100 Years of Rugby League by simply using the "Your Say" feature below to nominate (in 100 words or less) their most magical moment in Rugby League. The two best entries as voted on by rleague.com and Alan Whiticker will recieve their copies in January. All entries must be submitted with a valid e-mail address or they will not be considered.

[Retread]

Centenary Trophy to Kick Off



IN 2008 rugby league’s weekend warriors will compete for a chance to play the game they love on the biggest stage of all – a State of Origin decider.
As part of next year’s centenary celebrations, the best non NRL and Wizard Cup players from Queensland and NSW will form regional teams to play in the Toyota Centenary Trophy, which will decide the best region in each state.
The winners of each state will then battle it out in the main curtain-raiser to State of Origin III at ANZ Stadium in Sydney (formerly Telstra) on July 2.
Rex Zeeman, Administration Manager for the QRL, says the tournament is aimed at celebrating the greatest game of all.
“It’s about giving the captain/coaches of local sides and guys who have been putting in for ages a bit of recognition,” says Zeeman.
“This will be great for grassroots football. The guys who get to compete in the final will have the time of their lives.”
Beyond providing players a pathway to realise their dreams, one of the most exciting aspects of the competition is that it will answer which region and division is Queensland’s best.
The Queensland tournament will feature 14 teams from the traditional divisions, playing local derbies that are sure to ignite the community and its players, whose love for the game will be rewarded in what will be rugby league’s greatest year.

Teams for the Toyota Centenary Trophy:

Northern: Cairns, Townsville, Mackay.

Central: Rockhampton, Gladstone, Central West, Central Highlands, Wide Bay.

Wide Bay: Sunshine Coast: Burnett, Bundaberg, Nth Districts/ Fraser Coast, South West.

South West: Roma, Western, Border.

South East: Gold Coast, FOGS, Second Division, Ipswich.

[Retread]

Code's great moments honoured
Steve Ricketts


LEAGUE breakthrough . . . the signing of union superstar Dally Messenger.

RUGBY League's centenary year shapes as a wonderful celebration of the sport at all its levels.
The various centenary committees around the country have ensured that the focus will not just be on the NRL, with regional areas, schools, referees, volunteers and supporters also receiving recognition.
The code comes under enormous media scrutiny in New South Wales and Queensland and it will be more intense than ever in 2008 as the rule is run over the impact of centenary events which culminate with a World Cup in October-November.
Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium will host the World Cup final on November 22, the first time the city has hosted the climax to such a tournament.
Sydney clubs Newtown, Souths, Balmain, Roosters (Easts), Wests and Norths will be the first to host centenary celebrations, as they were all formed in January-February, 1908.
Newtown and Norths now play in the NSW Premier League while Balmain and Wests have formed a joint venture (Wests Tigers) at NRL level.
The now-defunct Glebe club was the first to pledge its allegiance to the new code on January 9, 1908.
Rugby league in Queensland began officially with the formation of the Queensland Rugby Association on March 28 that year – an event which will be celebrated with a re-enactment of the meeting at La Boite Theatre on the anniversary date.
Afterwards, invited guests will go to Suncorp Stadium for the Broncos-Cowboys round 3 NRL clash.
Rugby league started in Australia after news broke that a New Zealand side would tour Britain in 1907-08 and play teams from the "Northern Union" which had developed a new version of rugby with 13 men a side instead of 15.
Disgruntled Australian rugby union players, tired of what they perceived as poor treatment from their ruling body, were involved in a series of meetings with businessmen and other prominent sporting people, culminating in the formation of the NSW Rugby Football League in August, 1907.
The signing of union superstar Dally Messenger was the big breakthrough for the fledgling league which played three matches against the New Zealand All Golds before they left for Britain.
There were eight clubs in the first NSW competition in 1908 but it wasn't until the "great defection" of September, 1909, when the 1908 Wallabies switched to league, that the 13-man code became entrenched as part of Australia's sporting scene.
In 2008, all 16 NRL clubs will send their 25-man top squads to Sydney on Saturday, February 2 for an unprecedented Fan Day which the Australian Rugby League believes will be the biggest public event in the game's history.
It will be a far cry from Birchgrove Oval and Wentworth Park in Sydney in April, 1908 when about 3000 fans turned up at each ground to witness double-headers involving the eight foundation clubs – Norths, Souths, Easts, Wests, Glebe, Newtown, Newcastle and Central Cumberland.
Queensland representative sides played against New Zealand, the Maori (including a game at Warwick) and NSW in 1908 but there was no formal club competition as in NSW.
Still there were teams which provided football outside the representative area including North Brisbane A and B, Milton, Valley, Toombul, St Bridget's, a team from Webb and Co Office Clerks and a Combined 13.
Club league started in 1909 with North Brisbane, Toombul, Valley and South Brisbane the pioneer sides with Milton also entering a senior side later in the year.
The Tweed Seagulls club which now competes in the Queensland Wizard Cup also kicked off in 1909 and has fielded teams every year since.
An Ipswich competition kicked off in 1910 and clubs also were established in Gympie, Warwick, Childers and Maryborough as the game spread in the bush.
Ipswich also fielded a side in the Brisbane premiership and beat Toombul 17-2 in the 1910 final.
The contribution of the "bush" to rugby league will be celebrated with the Toyota Centenary Cup which aims to find the best country side in Australia with every Queensland region and NSW Country group represented.
The best team from each state will meet in the "cup final" as a curtain-raiser to State of Origin III in Sydney.
At least 10 regional centres will host gala weekends involving skills clinics, community activities and a "local derby" between traditional rivals.
Local footy heroes – not necessarily NRL players – will be invited back to their home towns for the celebrations.
It was once the case that "local" players were heroes for the kids of country towns before television beamed top flight sport of every description across the nation.
In 1978, for instance, the likes of Greg Platz, Allan Smith and Peter Connell would have been just as well known and respected for their deeds in the Toowoomba club competition as players running around in Sydney and Brisbane.
Brisbane and Townsville have been included in a National Museum of Australia tour showcasing "treasures of the game" and there are hopes of a permanent league museum being established at Suncorp Stadium.
The first league Test played in Australia drew a crowd of 20,000 to the Sydney Showgrounds on May 9, 1908, with New Zealand triumphing winning 11-10. The Centenary Test between the two countries will be played next door at the Sydney Cricket Ground on May 9, 2008.
The 2008 State of Origin series will kick off with both sides wearing 1908 heritage jerseys while 100 years of interstate rivalry will be celebrated at a gala function at Brisbane Convention Centre on June 10, the night before the return Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium.

[Retread]

Centenary Calender

• January
  The naming of rugby league's 100 greatest players
  February 2
  Centenary Fan Day at Telstra Stadium
  March-July
  Toyota Centenary Cup
  March 6
  NRL season launch
  March 7
  Official opening of the National Museum of Australia exhibition, Canberra
  March 14-17
  Round 1 of the 2008 NRL premiership
  March 28
  Anniversary of the establishment of the Queensland Rugby Association in 1908
  April 16
  Captains' Table Centenary Ball
  April 18-21
  Heritage round
  May 9
  Centenary Test -- Sydney Cricket Ground
  May 21
  First State of Origin game, Telstra Stadium
  June 10
  100 Years of Queensland-NSW games function -- Brisbane
  June 11
  Origin Game Two -- Suncorp Stadium. Queensland's Team of the Century will be honoured
  July 2
  Origin Game Three -- Telstra Stadium
  October 5
  2008 NRL grand final -- Telstra Stadium
  Saturday, October 25 - Saturday, November 22
  The Centenary World Cup

[Macarthur Saints]

If it's 100 years since league graced us all in the form of the NSWRL, how long thereafter did league go to Queensland ?
At a simular level?

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Dragon Scott

If it's 100 years since league graced us all in the form of the NSWRL, how long thereafter did league go to Queensland ?
At a simular level?

1909 Qld GF: Valley 22 defeated South Brisbane 4

[Retread]

For love ... Keato was paid a pittance but cherished the game. Pic: Getty

Centenary celebrations kick off

By Steve Jancetic

MONEY may have played a significant role in the code's formation, but as those involved in the early days of rugby league can attest, it was hardly worth the effort financially.
Six of the oldest players to represent clubs celebrating their centenary this year - Wally O'Connell (Easts/Sydney Roosters), Bill Keato (Wests), Jack Lawrence (Souths), George Debnam (Newtown), Norm Strong (Norths) and Sid Ryan (Balmain) - gathered in Sydney to kick-off celebrations.
Keato, 89, was a goalkicking fullback who began his career with the Magpies in 1938.
While players these days weigh up offers closing in on $500,000 a year, Keato said he remembered getting a measly 13 pounds in match payments in his debut year of which two shillings and sixpence was deducted as membership fees.
“I was working in Sydney on a weekly wage of seven shillings and sixpence,” Keato said.
“From this amount came my weekly ticket and costs associated with playing for Wests, two meals a week in Sydney (because he didn't have time to go home to Liverpool and back to Pratten Park for training), plus tram or train fares on Saturdays to play.
“So from my 13 pounds there was little left after buying a pair of Dally M football boots made to measure for three pounds.
“But it wasn't a financial thing. I wouldn't have swapped a thing, it was an honour to play for Wests.”
While the financial disparity between his generation and that of modern day players stood out for Keato, for Strong it was the changes in the way the game was played.
“I still like the game, the speed and the skill level, but I don't like scrums being a virtual rest break and halfbacks becoming hookers almost at will,” said the former long-serving Bears hooker.
“In my day, scrums were a game within the game and a hooker was exposed to all sorts of treatment.”
Newtown will become the first club to hold 100-year anniversary celebrations at a function tomorrow with South Sydney (January 17), Balmain (January 23), Sydney Roosters (January 24), Wests (February 4) and Norths (February 7) to follow suit.

[Retread]

Harvey Norman Centenary Fan Day



NRL fans are invited to come and kick the footy on the ANZ Stadium playing surface as part of the biggest public fan day in Rugby League history on Saturday, February 2, in Sydney.
Harvey Norman Centenary Fan Day will feature 400 players from all 16 NRL clubs in what will be a dream day out for up to 20,000 lucky Rugby League fans at ANZ Stadium (formerly Telstra Stadium).
It’s a chance to meet NRL stars, attend coaching clinics, watch the game’s sharpshooters compete in a goalkicking contest, get autographs, witness the largest ever NRL players photo in history and even kick the footy with friends on ANZ Stadium itself.
“The sight of 400 first grade players together at ANZ Stadium will be an enduring image of the game’s Centenary season and fans will enjoy watching the photo come together,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.
“The chance for families to be able to go on to the ground and kick the footy is a rare one and I hope our fans register early and take the opportunity to enjoy the range of activities available as the build-up continues to the start of the Telstra Premiership.”
To be part of the fun, fans must register prior to the day with entry limited to 20,000 people. To register, log on to www.nrl.com/fanday or ring the registration line on 02 9339 8550. An overview of activities on the day is also on the website.
A gold coin donation to benefit Rugby League’s One Community charities will be collected on entry. Information on One Community’s charity projects is available onwww.rugbyleague.com.au/onecommunity
Club membership and merchandise marquees and registration booths for individual activities will be open from 12pm on the day between Gates G and H.
ANZ Stadium gates open at 1.30pm with activities running from 2.30pm-6pm after fans witness the biggest player photo in Rugby League history, featuring the top 400 NRL players in the game’s Centenary season.
Further enquiries: David Taylor 02 9339 8555, 0405 228 974.

[Retread]

Tom Gorman Kangaroos captain

MEMORABLE MOMENT August 1929. BRISBANE Brothers star Tom Gorman becomes the first Queenslander to captain a Kangaroo touring side.
The team travels to the British Isles via Canada and the US and finishes with 24 wins, nine losses and two draws, with Charters Towers-born Gorman playing 22 games.
Britain wins the Ashes with a 3-0 result in the fourth Test at Rochdale, a match agreed to by the two sides after a 0-0 draw in the third and "deciding" Test at Swinton. The Kangaroos win a one-off Test against Wales at Wembley 26-10. It is not until 1986 that another Queenslander – Wally Lewis – is handed the Kangaroo tour captaincy.
This is much to the delight of QRL chairman Ron McAuliffe who once said he would not rest until another Queenslander followed in Gorman's shoes.

[Retread]

Centenary of Rugby League Calender

Centenary Events Calendar 2008

JANUARY
Tuesday, January 8: Newtown Centenary Anniversary, celebration at Newtown Town Hall

Thursday, January 17: Souths Centenary Anniversary, celebration at Redfern Town Hall

Wednesday, January 23: Balmain Centenary Anniversary

Thursday, January 24: Roosters Centenary Anniversary


FEBRUARY
Saturday, February 2: Centenary Fan Day - Telstra Stadium
The Centenary celebrations will kickoff with a huge public fan day featuring all 16 NRL clubs and 400 NRL players at Telstra Stadium. Rugby League fans of all ages can take part in a host of activities, including ARL skills clinics, autograph signings and kicking competitions in what is certain to be the biggest public fan event in the game’s history.

Monday, February 4: Western Suburbs Centenary Anniversary, celebration at Ashfield Town Hall

Thursday, February 7: North Sydney Centenary Anniversary, fans day at North Sydney Oval


MARCH
March – July: Toyota Centenary Cup competition to find the strongest country Group or division in NSW and Queensland. Final to be played as curtain-raiser to Origin III in Sydney.

Thursday, March 6: Season Launch of the Telstra Premiership
The NRL will host the official launch of the Telstra Premiership in Sydney, highlighting Rugby League’s heritage and commemorating the start of the game’s Centenary season.

Friday, March 7: Official opening of the National Museum of Australia exhibition in Canberra, featuring the extraordinary stock of rugby league historical material.
Thursday, March 13: NSW Referees Association – Centenary anniversary celebrations
A celebration of the history of the Referees Association and their contribution to the development of Rugby League.

March 14-17: Round 1 of the NRL Telstra Premiership

Friday, March 28: Anniversary of the establishment of the Queensland Rugby Association in 1908.


APRIL
Wednesday, April 2: NRL Day – Sydney Royal Easter Show

Friday, April 11: Newcastle Centenary Anniversary

Wednesday, April 16: Hall of Fame Ball
The pinnacle event of the rugby league calendar will be held in Sydney on the eve of the anniversary of the Premiership’s first round. A highlight of the evening will be the naming of the official Australian Team of the Century.

April 18-21: First Premiership anniversary (April 20, 1908)
One hundred years since those gallant pioneers first lined up for their teams in the Premiership, the NRL will schedule a “Heritage Round”, with NRL clubs scheduled to play against each other on the basis of the eras they first entered the competition. Each team will play in heritage jerseys honoring their own club’s proud history.
Herritage Round:
- Wests Tigers v Souths
- Parramatta v Manly
- Newcastle v Roosters
- Cowboys v Warriors
- Bulldogs v Dragons
- Cronulla v Penrith
- Broncos v Titans
- Storm v Raiders

Saturday, April 19: Premier League match between foundation clubs North Sydney and Newtown at North Sydney Oval

Sunday, April 20: Premier League match between foundation clubs Balmain and Wests at Birchgrove Oval, venue of the first round of matches in 1908.

Friday, April 25: Anzac Day match
Dragons v Roosters at Sydney Football Stadium.

Wednesday, April 30: Naming of the NSW Country team of the century


MAY
Friday, May 2: City v Country - WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Friday, May 9: Centenary Test - Sydney Cricket Ground
Anniversary of the first ever Test between Australia and New Zealand in 1908

Wednesday, May 21: Harvey Norman State of Origin Game One - Telstra Stadium
Both teams will wear 1908 heritage jerseys. The NSW Team of the Century will be presented to the crowd.


JUNE
Thursday June 5: Official opening of the National Museum of Australia exhibition at the Queensland Museum, Brisbane.

Tuesday, June 10: 100 Years of Queensland v New South Wales function - Brisbane
A gala event will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre to mark a century of interstate Rugby League between Queensland and NSW, with the Queensland Team of the Century announced.

Wednesday, June 11: Harvey Norman State of Origin Game Two - Suncorp Stadium


JULY
Wednesday, July 2: Harvey Norman State of Origin Game Three - Telstra Stadium
The match that has decided so many Origin series in the past will take on unprecedented significant in the game’s Centenary.

Tuesday, July 8: Balmain Hall of Fame Dinner - Westin Hotel Sydney


AUGUST
August 4-6: Centenary All Schools Carnival
More than 5000 schoolboy players will take part in a Rugby League knock-out competition through out Australia.

Friday, August 29: Anniversary of the first ever Premiership Final in 1908 - Easts v Souths. One of the great rivalries in Australian sport will be reignited during Round 25 as the Roosters and Rabbitohs battle it out in honour of the first Premiership final 100 years ago.


SEPTEMBER
Tuesday, September 9: Dally M Awards – Sydney Entertainment Centre

Thursday, September 11: Official opening of the National Museum of Australia exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

September 12-14: Home Finals

Friday, September 19: Western Suburbs Black and White Ball

September 20-21: Semi Finals

September 27-28: Preliminary Finals

Tuesday, September 30: Men of League Ball - Sydney


OCTOBER
Sunday, October 5: Harvey Norman NRL Grand Final – Telstra Stadium
The Premiers are destined to hold a special place in the game’s rich history and Grand Final day will honour that occasion in spectacular fashion.

Saturday, October 25: Saturday, November 22 - The Centenary World Cup – Final to be played at Suncorp Stadium. Ten nations will compete in the crowning moment of the Centenary Year. The World Cup will be the first on Australian soil since 1977.

Saturday, October 25: England v PNG – Townsville

Sunday, October 26: Euro A-2 v France – Canberra

Sunday, October 26: Australia v New Zealand – Sydney Football Stadium

Monday, October 27: Tonga v Euro A-1 – Parramatta Stadium

Wednesday, October 29: 100 years of Australia v England Lunch – Melbourne

Friday, October 31: Repechage winner v Tonga – Penrith Stadium


NOVEMBER
Saturday, November 1: New Zealand v PNG – gold Coast

Saturday, November 1: Fiji v France – Wollongong

Saturday, November 2: Australia v England – Telstra Dome Stadium

Wednesday, November 5: Euro A-2 v Fiji – Central Coast

Wednesday, November 5: Euro A-1 v Repechage winner – Parramatta Stadium

Saturday, November 8: Pool 2 (team 2) v Pool 3 (team 2) – Rockhampton

Saturday, November 8: Pool 1 England v New Zealand – Newcastle

Sunday, November 9: Pool 2 (team 3) v Pool 3 (team 3) – Penrith Stadium

Sunday, November 9: PNG v Australia – Townsville

Monday, November 10: SFQ Pool 2 (team 1) v Pool 3 (team 1) – Gold Coast

Saturday, November 15: Semi Final – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Sunday, November 16: Semi Final – Sydney Football Stadium

Monday, November 17: International Player of the Year Award – Sydney

Saturday, November 22: Grand Final – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane


DECEMBER
Thursday, December 18: Official opening of the National Museum of Australia exhibition at the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville.

[Retread]

Cowboys help NRL celebrate
NATALIE PEUT


SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT ... North Queensland Cowboys centre Ash Graham

THE North Queensland Cowboys will be among 400 NRL players to celebrate the centenary of rugby league this weekend.
The Cowboys squad jetted off to Sydney yesterday to take part in the biggest public fan day in rugby league's history at ANZ Stadium today.
The Centenary Fan Day will feature players from all 16 NRL clubs in what will be a dream day out for up to 20,000 fans.
Cowboys football manager Dean Lance said the players would re-live a similarly historic event which occurred more than 20 years ago.
"It's exciting, it's a great initiative from the NRL," Lance said.
"The last time this sort of thing happened was about 1982 when they got all the teams together.
"I think it's great promotion for the game and certainly excellent for the teams to get the opportunity to meet all the players in one place."
Lance hoped this weekend's activities would change the public's perception of the players.
"A lot of people think that the players don't know each other and you're the enemy but deep down they are all similar guys with the same passion and love for footy," Lance said.
"They all enjoy each other's company – about 90 per cent of them do anyway. It's a good opportunity for them to see each other, see the way each other conducts themselves."
The highlight of the day will be a photo featuring all 400 players.
"It's the high point of the day," Lance said.
"All 400 players in the middle of the stadium, that photo will be (given) to each one of the players, all will have a memento of the great day."
But the weekend will also mean a well-deserved rest from the rigours of pre-season for the players.
"(I think they are) pretty happy to get tomorrow off training," Lance said.
"A lot of our more prominent players will be very busy with media and everything else but the guys can have a well-deserved day off.
"They've been training very hard over the last six weeks."
The Cowboys most improved player for the 2007 NRL season Ashley Graham said he could not wait to get to Sydney.
"It's exciting to get down there and celebrate the centenary of rugby league," Graham said.
"Off the field we are all good mates, so it's good to get together (and) share the occasion."
But it was the few days off that seemed to be the high point for most of the players.
"It's good to get a couple of days off training," Graham said.
"We've been training pretty hard the last few weeks, so it's probably a good opportunity to get off the legs and have rest for the weekend."
The Gold Coast Titans announced yesterday tickets for the season opener against the Cowboys at Skilled Park would go on sale from February 12. All tickets can be purchased through Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au or by phoning 132849.
Bookings for groups of 10 or more can be made by calling 1300 364 001.

[Retread]

SAY CHEESE ... Cowboys players, back, pose for the huge group photo featuring 400 players from all 16 clubs at the centenary of rugby league fan day

[Retread]

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au...343_sport.html

Meanwhile, the rest of the team enjoyed a weekend in Sydney.
"It was a very successful day," Lance said of the fan day at ANZ Stadium which was attended by about 15,000 supporters and 400 NRL players from all 16 clubs.
"The players were very patient as they got shuffled from here to there and everywhere over the eight hours.
"It was a pretty amazing day and well-organised."
Lance said it was a productive day for the team.
"They were all pretty tired after it, it was a quiet plane trip on the way home but I was really impressed with the patience they showed," Lance said.
"It was good to see all the teams getting into the spirit of things, it was a good day.
"It was a real gamble taken by the NRL but at the end of the day it was a real productive one because it could have well backfired but I thought it went off really well."
The highlight of the day was the taking of a photograph featuring all 400 players in their team uniforms.
"It was just an incredible thing and they should feel pretty proud of that and to be part of this centenary year," Lance said.
Sydney may have been far away from their home base but Lance said it did not stop Cowboys fans from turning out to the event.
"There were certainly a lot people there with Cowboys flags and posters," he said.
The players will resume training today in preparation for their official trials against the Titans in Cairns and against Canberra in Mackay on March 1.
A Cowboys team combining senior and under-20s players will play a trial against Brisbane in Rockhampton on February 16.

[Retread]

Thurston on Centenary of Rugby League stamp

The Centenary of Rugby League is being celebrated with a series of 16 commemorative stamps – one for each NRL club competing in this historic year.
Produced by Australia Post, each 50 cent stamp in the keepsake series features a photographic image of current NRL stars in a classic Rugby League action pose, highlighting the strength, athleticism and poise of the modern footballer.
The Cowboys stamp features an action photograph of Johnathan Thurston representing the club.
The Centenary of Rugby League stamps are available from Tuesday 25 March from selected Australia Post outlets and via mail order on 1800 331 794.
The stamps are available in a range of collectible formats including a set of two First Day Covers ($8.30), a Prestige Coin and Stamp Pack ($15.95), Maxicards ($14.00) and a Booklet Collection ($94.95).
All products in the range bear the Centenary of Rugby League logo and feature a range of archival images alongside the contemporary stamp images to provide a context to the code’s unique history.
NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop said the stamp series was another example of how fans can celebrate the Centenary of the game. “The stamps feature the game’s great modern day players and are magnificently presented and packaged. I am sure NRL fans will be delighted with the products.”

[Retread]

Honour stamps Thursto in league of his own
CHRIS QUAGLIATA


POSTED ... North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston is being immortalised on a postage stamp as part of the Centenary of Rugby League celebrations

COWBOYS captain Johnathan Thurston has been immortalised on a postage stamp.
Australia Post is celebrating the centenary of rugby league in Australia with a series of commemorative 50c stamps featuring each captain of the 16 NRL clubs.
The stamps feature action shots of players including Thurston, the Brisbane Broncos' Darren Lockyer and the Gold Coast Titans' Scott Prince.
Thurston said it was a `huge honour' to be included in something which celebrated such an important year in rugby league's history.
"There's only a select few players that are on the stamps so I'm very proud and honoured to be on it," he said.
"My manager rang me a while ago and ... asked whether I wanted to be on it and I jumped at the chance."
But he did say the 16 best players in rugby league may have warranted a stamp of more value than 50c.
"It's a bit cheap," he joked.
Thurston's stamp features a front-on shot of the North Queensland playmaker delivering a pass to his outside backs.
It's the first time Australia Post has produced a stamp for each NRL team.
Previously Australia Post has released souvenir stamps for individual clubs for the rugby league World Cup.
The stamps are available in a range of collectable formats including a set of two First Day Covers, where the stamp has been cancelled on the first day of issue, a prestige coin and stamp pack and a complete booklet collection.
Australia Post philatelic group manager Noel Leahy said the stamps were a unique way for fans to show their support for their team and their code.
"We expect these stamps to be extremely popular especially in New South Wales and Queensland where rugby league is the dominant football code with such a rich, strong and proud history," he said.

[Retread]

Flashback for Innisfail flyer
© The Cairns Post


New era: Innisfail flyer Kerry Boustead looks back on the first State of Origin match in 1980 during rugby league's centenary year.

KERRY Boustead had no idea he was about to play a part in rugby league history when he was preparing for the first State of Origin match in 1980.

The dashing winger from Innisfail had played for New South Wales under the old representative rules but put on the Maroons jersey as part of the experimental Origin concept.
There were fears the game would be a flop and Sydney critics branded it a three-day wonder. How wrong they were.
Queensland beat NSW 20-10 at Lang Park with 33,210 fans lapping up the pride and passion that have become hallmarks of State of Origin football. "We thought it was a nice concept but had no idea it would supersede state matches and become the most viewed matches on television," Boustead said yesterday.
The first Origin game will be part of The Cairns Post's series rating the top 100 most memorable moments in rugby league history.
The series starts on Saturday and is part of the centenary of league celebrations.
Boustead said it was exciting the match was still remembered by so many Queenslanders.
The diminutive former speedster said the Queensland players talked about how they wanted to make a strong impression in the lead-up to the match in Brisbane.
"Every day we'd walk through the city and each day the crowds grew and grew. That's when we started to get a feeling that it was something special and we started to realise how much the state needed a good performance because we hadn't won for a long time."
Boustead scored a try on the night and recalls the crowd's joyous reaction.
"It was fantastic but the crazy part was I played for NSW the week before and I had cans and apples thrown at me. Obviously the mood had changed somewhat."

To see where the first Origin match made it on our list of top moments, start collecting the free six-part series this Saturday.

[Retread]

Dowling's Origin try a magic moment
Thursday, April 10, 2008
© The Cairns Post


Try: Greg Dowling scores an unexpected Origin try.

GREG Dowling was as shocked as anyone at the Sydney Cricket Ground when he scored a freakish try to help Queensland win the 1984 State of Origin series.
The big front-rower had made his Test debut 10 days earlier and was slugging it out against New South Wales at a wet and wild SCG in the second Origin match of the series.
That was until a piece of glory fell from the sky.
Maroons skipper "King" Wally Lewis attempted to kick into the NSW in-goal, only for the ball to hit the crossbar and fall towards the turf.
Dowling grabbed the ball around his ankle and stumbled over for a try.
"I got as big a fright as anyone when it hit me," The Cairns Post columnist said this week.
The try, which will appear in The Cairns Post's series celebrating the 100 most memorable moments in rugby league, helped lift Queensland to a 14-2 victory.
It is remembered by Queenslanders as one of the King's magic touches, but Dowling recalls his teammates were unimpressed with Lewis’ decision making earlier on that day.
"The King had decided to run into the wind in the first half and we all abused him for that but he wanted to come home with wind.
"So he would kick the ball and it would end up hitting you in the head because of the gale force winds.
"It was a slugfest and the King was on the fifth tackle 20m out and he said 'I'm going to kick a bomb up'. All I was going to do was take out (NSW fullback) Garry Jack. I just whizzed out and grabbed it and that was it. I was pretty relieved."
To find out where the Dowling try made it in our list of great moments start collecting the free six-part series in The Weekend Post on Saturday and every day next week.
On Friday, April 18, The Cairns Post will celebrate 100 years of league in Far North Queensland with a special 32-page free magazine featuring club and player profiles, photo memories and more.