Rugby League Photographs

The State Library of NSW holds a vast number of photographs, letters, diaries, personal effects and memorabilia within its Library collections. The Library is currently holding an exhibition called Sport 2003, that includes rugby league.

RL1908 has highlighted some photographs from Sport 2003 that will be of interest to rugby league fans. The selected images cover 1886 to the early days of rugby league in Sydney.

[ Click on each image for a closer look ]

New South Wales rugby team in 1886

The first NSW side played in 1882 (against Queensland)

Australia Test rugby team in 1903

Many of the players in this team went on to play rugby league in 1908 and the seasons after

New South Wales rugby team in 1907

The final state side before the 'great divide' of 1907 and 1908 - includes Messenger, McKivat and others

Australia's last Tests (1907) before Rugby League

Australia v New Zealand - action shots from the Sydney Cricket Ground [ Additional photos: one / two ]

Dally Messenger - New Zealand Rugby League

Messenger joined the NZ rugby league team on their English tour of 1907-08

The 1908 Kangaroo in England

A photograph of the Pioneer Kangaroos - appears to have been taken before the tour (no badges added)

Sid Pearce - Pioneer Kangaroo of 1908

'Sandy' Pearce was a member of the Kangaroos on their tours to England in 1908-09 & 1921-22

A Kangaroo Portrait in England

Sid Pearce, Dinny Lutge (capt.) & Dally Messenger with an unidentified official in England 1908-09

Arthur Hennessy - Cap and Medal

Hennessy first played for South Sydney in 1908 - here he stands alongside his 'rugby' caps and medals

The 1908 Wallabies in England

On their return to Australia many of the Wallabies joined the ranks of the Sydney Rugby League competition

All Sport 2003 Exhibition images

Photographs are from the Sport 2003 Exhibition by the NSW State Library.
All links are to the NSW State Library site. RL1908 cannot guarantee that links will remain/are active.

PictureAustralia is an Internet based service that allows you to search many significant online pictorial collections from Libraries at the same time. Use the search words "rugby league sydney" to view hundreds of interesting Rugby League photographs! http://www.pictureaustralia.org/