Tina Turner presenting Brisbane captain Allan Langer with the 1993 Winfield Cup after the Broncos’ 14-6 victory over St George. Courtesy Newspix.
Players embrace at the end of the 1963 ‘Gladiators’ grand final after St George defeated Western Suburbs
8–3 Newspix
A fanatical Roosters fan shows his support for the club, 2002. Courtesy Robb Cox Action Photographics.
New South Wales player Terry Hill
and Queenslander Gorden Tallis
face-to-face during the second game
of the 1999 State of Origin series,
won by New South Wales 12–8
Newspix
Jonathon Thurston, captain of the
North Queensland Cowboys and
winner of the Dally M medal for
National Rugby League player of the
year in 2005 and 2007. Newspix
5 September – 23 November 2008
Remember the legends, see the treasures and relive the historic moments of rugby league. From Dally Messenger to Darren Lockyer, League of Legends: 100 years of Rugby League in Australia is an exhibition that tells some of game’s great stories from the past century.
Rugby league started in 1908 as a breakaway competition in defiance of the New South Wales Rugby Union and celebrates its centenary this year. This travelling exhibition from the National Museum of Australia 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 treasures including trophies, photos and player mementos.
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 JJ Giltinan Shield. There is also the Super League Cup and Optus Cup from 1997, marking the temporary split of the code into two rival league competitions.
Other treasures 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 Eastern Suburbs won in 1913; and renowned radio commentator Frank Hyde’s binoculars and folding card table from which he called the game. 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 display.
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 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.
Visit the National Museum of Australia League of Legends site to find out more, including key moments, teams and personalities, controversies and media moments.
Admission offer for NRL Club Members Present your NRL Club Membership card at the Powerhouse Museum to receive a 10% discount on Adult or Family Admission when visiting League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia.
Commemorative Rugby League Zipper Tag for Junior League Club Members Present your JUNIOR LEAGUE PASS at the Powerhouse Museum when visiting League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia to receive a one-off Centenary of Rugby League zipper tag for your school or sports bag!
Centenary Conference of Rugby League in Australia
Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November
This conference examines the cultural, historical and social significance of rugby league in Australia from 1908 to 2008. Target Theatre Cost: $75; students/pensioners $25 Enquiries and bookings: Karen Entwistle phone 9772 6213, email K.Entwistle@uws.edu.au
Convened by the Tom Brock Bequest Committee, an Australian Society for Sports History sub-group established to promote the scholarly study of rugby league. Co-sponsors Powerhouse Museum; Centre for Cultural Research, UWS; National Museum of Australia; Leeds Metropolitan University UK; Australian Rugby League.
Royal Agricultural Society Challenge Shield, 1908–13 Photo; Dragi Markovic National Museum of Australia
A travelling exhibition developed and presented by the National Museum of Australia Canberra
Partner - Official exhibition of the Centenary of Rugby League
Media partner
