April 20, 1908

[madunit]

On this day in 1908, the first official Rugby League games in Australia were played.

Here is a piece I wrote with brief match reports and game details which have been compiled from several newspapers and sources.

http://commentaryboxsports.com/australian/nrl/day-birth-premiership.html
Should the NRL do something (as opposed to the current nothing) to commemorate this day, and if so, what should they do?

 

[Desert Qlder]

The NRL are probably not even aware.

Thank you for posting this BTW.

 

[madunit]

Like most things dealing with the history of the game, they are forgotten quickly.

I think Souths, Roosters, Newcastle and Wests Tigers should wear the strip worn on that day for this round. Have a ceremony at Birchgrove Oval.

A huge fans day with players, current and past present etc.

 

[pantherz9103]

I'd much prefer more of these heritage rounds rather than those Marvel jersey rounds, however 1908 is only relevant to a few old foundation clubs, so the NRL probably won't bother.

 

[Prometheus]

The NRL did plenty to commemorate 1908 back in 2008. They don't need to do it every year.

 

[Panther91-03]

Happy birthday NRL!

 

[mistertaylor]

Like most things dealing with the history of the game, they are forgotten quickly.

I think Souths, Roosters, Newcastle and Wests Tigers should wear the strip worn on that day for this round. Have a ceremony at Birchgrove Oval.

A huge fans day with players, current and past present etc.

Wests Tigers and Newcastle weren't foundation clubs mate.

 

[madunit]

The NRL did plenty to commemorate 1908 back in 2008. They don't need to do it every year.

It's one day to remember every player who has made the game what it is today.

It's not that much to ask.

 

[madunit]

Wests Tigers and Newcastle weren't foundation clubs mate.

Obviously I know that, I was suggesting that they can represent the clubs Wests, Balmain and Newcastle from then

 

[mistertaylor]

I'd much prefer more of these heritage rounds rather than those Marvel jersey rounds, however 1908 is only relevant to a few old foundation clubs, so the NRL probably won't bother.

What we need is a true heritage round with leather balls, no padding on the goal posts, and heavy cotton jerseys!

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Actually, Newcastle was a foundation team.

And Newcastle wore their kit in 2008

 

[kdalymc]

2 teams were unrelated, but yeah

 

[siv]

Like most things dealing with the history of the game, they are forgotten quickly.

I think Souths, Roosters, Newcastle and Wests Tigers should wear the strip worn on that day for this round. Have a ceremony at Birchgrove Oval.

A huge fans day with players, current and past present etc.

Other than Souths v Easts

I would like to see Newcastle play Parramatta in 1908 heritage jersies

Both have strong links to their 1908 clubs

Newcastle left and then accepted the offer to rejoin

Parramatta colours come from the old Cumberland team who used the old Sydney Uni RU hooped jersey in 1908

You can have Norths v Newtown in NSW Cup
And Wests v Glebe-Burwood in the RM Cup as a double header at Wentworth Park

And since St George originally formed in 1908 we can have the battle of ther mergers as the other 1908 fixture

 

[The Mad Hatter]

2 teams were unrelated, but yeah

I was replying to a chap up the chain who said Newcastle weren't a foundation team.

They quite clearly were.

That they left at the end of 1909 to commence the Newcastle RL comp and another Newcastle named team came in to the comp in 1988 doesn't not change the face his comment was wrong.

 

[madunit]

Actually, Newcastle was a foundation team.

And Newcastle wore their kit in 2008

The Newcastle of 1908-09 are regarded as a different side to the Knights.

Much like the Titans are regarded as different to the Gold Coast side that entered in 1988.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

The Newcastle of 1908-09 are regarded as a different side to the Knights.

Much like the Titans are regarded as different to the Gold Coast side that entered in 1988.

Sure, but they're still called Newcastle.

And your point about current clubs wearing the original/heritage strip is both valid and with precedence.

As per the modern era Newcastle Knights donning the 1908-09 Newcastle Rebels kit in 2008. What would it hurt for them to wear it now and pay tribute to the foundation side, also named Newcastle?

And I also thought when the Titans entered in 2007 that there was suggestion it was a continuation and a new venture.

Casting an eye back on the past doesnt hurt. In fact, if GC did a heritage Giants or Chargers kit, I reckon people would go crazy for it.

 

[siv]

The Newcastle of 1908-09 are regarded as a different side to the Knights.

Much like the Titans are regarded as different to the Gold Coast side that entered in 1988.

I consider them as the same team

Just readmitted

Just the like Auckland Warriors are the same team as NZ Warriors even though they went bust

 

[madunit]

I consider them as the same team

Just readmitted

Just the like Auckland Warriors are the same team as NZ Warriors even though they went bust

The NRL doesn't though and, with no disrespect to you, their ruling is the only one that matters here.

 

[kdalymc]

I consider them as the same team

Just readmitted

Just the like Auckland Warriors are the same team as NZ Warriors even though they went bust

Ha this is nothing alike