Are you ready to walk through the pages of history and learn all about the journey of the most fantastic sport, the Australian National Rugby League? Today’s blog is for all NRL betting enthusiasts to recount the past that blends athleticism with hardness. The sport that an entire nation is crazy and passionate about, Rugby.
Australian National Rugby League: Peeking into The Pages of History
Back in the 1890s, the most prominent football in Queensland and New South Wales was the Rugby Union. Colonial conflicts created a passion amongst fans, who were willing to pay to behold their athletic idols. This enthusiasm has survived for decades, and the craze for rugby league betting in Australia stands testament.
However, with the start of the 20th century, this gentleman’s pastime faced a major threat internally. The sporting heroes started claiming payments for losing their work hours and demanded insurance for injuries. The pleas for reform faced resistance to preserve this game’s significant amateur spirit.
Go for Gold: The Journey Begins
South Wales RFL, Sean Fagan and his followers gathered at the Bateman’s Hotel, Sydney, on 8th August 1907 to plan a new team. This day is historically significant as it was the first discussion on player payments with new rules. On 20th April 1908, the new competition started, and so did the golden era of Rugby. Bless the day as it marks the birth of the great sport and NRL betting that keeps generating whopping rewards.
Notable Supporters
- James J Giltinan was an Australian business tycoon. He was the key proposer of establishing the new Rugby code of conduct. He was appointed as the first secretary of the newly formed league and is known for personally underwriting the 1908 England tour of the team.
- Victor Trumper was a renowned cricketer and an ardent supporter of Rugby. His valuable inputs reassured the newly established code.
- Henry Hoyle, the labour politician and union leader, contributed to creating propaganda justifying the rupture of the rugby union.
- Dally Messenger was the star player and the most eminent contributor to the league’s success. His presence added credibility to the new code, and he emerged as the superstar of the union. Dally joined the Eastern Suburbs club and earned NRL premiership odds of victory from 1911 to 1913. He also played for New South Wales and Australia and participated in 7 series with Kangaroos.
Firsts to Take the Field
1908 witnessed the first-ever full-season match of this great sport. The firsts to join in were:
- Newtown
- South Sydney
- Balmain
- Glebe
- Western Suburbs
- North Sydney
- Newcastle
- Eastern Suburbs
- Cumberland
Queensland Rugby association popularised the sport and the Rugby League betting, Australia in the north in 1909.
The Dark Time for The Veterans
The kangaroos sailed to England first time in 1908. Unfortunately, the tour failed to bring glory, with 22 of the 45 matches lost, financially broke. Northern Union had to sponsor the return of the players. Pity for the betters of the 1900s, who could not access live betting tips like today.
Kangaroos Fight Wallabies
1909 witnessed the clash of the two codes. After the beautiful success of the England tour, Wallabies were enticed to play the Kangaroos. Four matches were played, with 2 victories apiece, and rugby league betting, Australia, in strife. However, the Rugby League can be crowned as the winner as most of the Wallabies’ elite athletes switched to the league. This attribute meant a massive influx of talent and experience in the new code.
Here to Stay and Here to Slay
Following the two years of struggle, the Rugby League solidified its foothold finally in 1910. Australia and the world recognised the Potential of the Kangaroos with their surging participation at club games international and interstate matches. With their growing popularity came along economic security. English toured Australia, followed by Australians returning the favour in 1911-12 by touring the UK.
Some Milestones to Cherish
- 1911
Rugby League played at Sydney sports grounds for the first time.
- 1913
Rugby League became a thing in schools.
- 1920
The first edition newspaper was published.
- 1950
Australia’s first win against Ashes after 3 decades.
- 1957
Australia becomes the host of the league.
- 1961
Rugby broadcasted on Television.
- 1988
League abandons SCG for Sydney stadium.
- 1990
NSWRL introduces a salary cap.
- 1998
NRL Foundation Year
- 2005
NRL sets a record by hosting around 16468 viewers at regular sessions.
- 2012
League museum inaugurates.
- 2013
Australia wins the world cup defeating New Zealand.
- 2014
South Sydney becomes the 21st premiership champion.
- 2017
Australia bags RLWC titles both women’s and men.
NRL’s history has been rich in its events, and its legacy will continue to thrive for decades to come.