The National Rugby League (NRL) is one of the most popular and competitive rugby leagues in the world. But before it became the high-profile, nationwide competition it is today, its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century in Sydney, Australia. The origins of the NRL can be found in the establishment of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) in 1908, a competition that laid the foundation for what would eventually become the modern NRL.
When the NSWRL was first formed, nine foundation clubs made history by competing in the first-ever rugby league season in Sydney. These teams, many of which still exist today, played a crucial role in shaping the sport in Australia. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the original Sydney rugby league teams, their history, and how they have evolved over the decades.
The Original NRL Teams in Sydney (1908 Foundation Clubs)
In 1908, the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) was established as a breakaway competition from rugby union. The first season saw nine Sydney-based clubs competing in what would later evolve into the NRL. These foundation clubs were:
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Sydney Roosters (Eastern Suburbs)
- Balmain Tigers
- Newtown Jets
- North Sydney Bears
- Glebe Dirty Reds
- Western Suburbs Magpies
- Cumberland
- Newcastle (not a Sydney-based team but part of the original competition)
Each of these teams brought a unique identity to the competition, and their legacies still influence rugby league today.
1. South Sydney Rabbitohs – The Most Successful Foundation Club
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: 21 (most in NRL history)
- Current Status: Active in the NRL
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are one of the most iconic teams in rugby league history. They were one of the original clubs in 1908 and became the first-ever NSWRL premiers, defeating Easts (Sydney Roosters) in the grand final.
Nicknamed the “Bunnies,” South Sydney has produced some of the greatest players in the game, including Clive Churchill, John Sattler, and Greg Inglis. Their fierce rivalry with the Sydney Roosters remains one of the longest-running and most passionate in the sport.
Despite facing expulsion from the NRL in 1999, the Rabbitohs successfully fought their way back into the league, thanks to overwhelming fan support and investment from actor Russell Crowe. They broke a 43-year premiership drought in 2014, solidifying their legacy.
2. Sydney Roosters (Eastern Suburbs) – A Club of Consistency
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: 15
- Current Status: Active in the NRL
The Sydney Roosters, originally known as Eastern Suburbs, have been one of the most consistent and successful teams in rugby league history. They are one of only two foundation clubs (alongside South Sydney) that have never been excluded from the top-tier competition.
The Roosters have a proud history of winning back-to-back premierships and have produced rugby league greats such as Arthur Beetson, Brad Fittler, and Cooper Cronk.
Their rivalry with South Sydney is one of the fiercest in the game, dating back over a century. They have also developed a modern powerhouse reputation, winning multiple premierships in the 2000s and 2010s.
3. Balmain Tigers – A Fierce Sydney Identity
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: 11
- Current Status: Merged into the Wests Tigers (2000)
The Balmain Tigers were one of the toughest and most respected teams in the early days of rugby league. They won 11 premierships and became known for their working-class identity, representing Sydney’s Inner West.
Balmain merged with the Western Suburbs Magpies in 2000 to form the Wests Tigers, a club that continues to compete in the NRL today. Despite the merger, Balmain’s history and legacy are still remembered by passionate fans.
4. Newtown Jets – A Fallen Giant of Rugby League
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: 1 (1910)
- Current Status: No longer in the NRL, but competing in the NSW Cup
The Newtown Jets (formerly the Newtown Bluebags) were a foundation club that struggled financially and was ultimately excluded from the NSWRL in 1983.
However, their cult following has endured, and the club still competes in the NSW Cup, acting as a feeder team for NRL clubs.
5. North Sydney Bears – The Lost Sydney Powerhouse
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: 2 (1921, 1922)
- Current Status: No longer in the NRL, playing in NSW Cup
The North Sydney Bears were a proud and competitive club, but financial struggles forced them out of the NRL in 1999.
Despite their absence from the top tier, they are still actively pushing for NRL re-entry, with proposals for a North Sydney-based team gaining support.
6. Glebe Dirty Reds – The Forgotten Foundation Club
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: None
- Current Status: Folded in 1929, later revived in the Ron Massey Cup
The Glebe Dirty Reds were the first team to be disbanded in rugby league history. However, their name was revived in 2017, and they now play in the Ron Massey Cup as a tribute to their legacy.
7. Western Suburbs Magpies – A Club of Resilience
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: 4
- Current Status: Merged into Wests Tigers (2000)
The Western Suburbs Magpies had a passionate following but struggled with financial issues. They merged with Balmain in 2000, forming the Wests Tigers, who continue to compete in the NRL.
8. Cumberland – The Shortest-Lived Club
- Founded: 1908
- Premierships: None
- Current Status: Folded after one season
Cumberland played only one season before disbanding. Their legacy lives on through the Parramatta Eels, who were established in 1947 in the same region.
External High Authority Links for More Insights
- Learn more about NRL history and foundation clubs from the NRL official website.
- Discover the historical records of Sydney teams on Rugby League Project.
- Read in-depth analyses on NRL heritage and rivalries on Fox Sports.
Call-to-Action: Which Original Sydney Club Do You Support?
Rugby league has come a long way since 1908, but the legacy of its original Sydney teams is still felt today. Do you support one of these foundation clubs, or do you think another team deserves recognition?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more NRL history, updates, and insights!
Conclusion
The original Sydney NRL teams laid the foundation for what has become one of the greatest rugby league competitions in the world. South Sydney and Sydney Roosters remain dominant forces in the NRL, while teams like Newtown, North Sydney, and Balmain continue to be remembered by loyal fans.
As rugby league continues to grow, the history of these foundation clubs will always be a crucial part of the game. Their rivalries, triumphs, and legacies have shaped the NRL into the powerhouse it is today.
See Also: Who is the Oldest Man in the NRL?
