MR: NRL Search for Survivors

[JessEel]

Tuesday, December, 4 2007

MEDIA RELEASE​

Rugby league authorities want to make the old new and fashionable again during its centenary celebrations – and have called on the game’s fans to play a leading role.

The game wants to establish the oldest surviving players from its early clubs as well as its longest serving fans.

And in its search for any pearls of visual historical value, the game has sent out a call for anyone who may have old footage of rugby league, especially pre-1960’s film to assist in preserving the game’s history.

The footage could be used in a documentary being made about the game’s first century.

It is all part of presenting the best possible chronicle of the game’s wonderful heritage when it celebrates 100 years in 2008 with a feast of activities.

A special register has been established for past players and their families to lodge details of past representatives of NRL/ARL clubs (up to Cronulla and Penrith who came into the competition in 1967).

The clubs have what they believe is accurate information about, certainly, their oldest surviving first graders and representative players but are also on the lookout for players who may have worn the colours in lower grades – back in the 1940s particularly.

The Centenary of Rugby League committee also wants to recognise individuals or even families who have supported their teams for an eternity and a register will soon be set up for interested parties to register their details too.

Rugby League Films, a recently established game-wide archive, has sent out a plea to anyone who may have old footage, no matter what the quality, of rugby league. A roll of 16mm film sitting in a garage could become an invaluable vehicle for telling League’s grand story.

“We intend to recognise Rugby League’s heritage right through our NRL season in 2008 and this will take shape in many forms,” said NRL chief executive David Gallop.

“Identifying the oldest past players and the best fans is part of that recognition. Linking the past and the present and using it as an inspiration towards developing the game’s future is a high priority.”

ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr says the Centenary celebrations will reach far beyond the NRL competition and footage of rugby league being played decades back, whether from a Test match or junior match could form a lasting record.

“The earliest known footage of Rugby League in Australia to date is from 1922 but the Centenary represents a unique opportunity to see what else can be found. Footage prior to the 1960’s is very rare, so any items that are uncovered will be treasures for the game, “he said.

“Even if it isn’t going to match the oldest vision it may be a memory that you’ve captured or been given at some stage which could be shared with all fans.

“It remains incredible what people sometimes stumble across when cleaning garages and attics from time to time and we are certainly interested in seeing that those memories are preserved.

“Similarly the Centenary Committee is keen to see that we identify those players and fans who have dedicated their life times to supporting a team.”

Fans can provide details of surviving early players on the web by going to www.rugbyleague.com/centenary/oldest

If they have any old footage they should contact the National Rugby League on 02 9339 8500 or email enquiries@rugbyleaguefilms.com.au

 

[eelz47]

oh, i love footy


08 is gunna be hugggggggggee

and i wish i had a "old" garage i could rummige thru