From its humble beginnings as an offshoot from rugby union, rugby league has grown to be one of the premier sports in Australia. But the story of rugby league is one of infighting, turmoil and bitter rivalries. This episode looks at the birth of rugby league in 1908, its glory years of the 1980s and the super league War that raged in the 1990s that nearly saw the game destroyed. 

From its humble beginnings as an offshoot from rugby union, rugby league has grown to be one of the premier sports in Australia. But the story of rugby league is one of infighting, turmoil and bitter rivalries. This episode looks at the birth of rugby league in 1908, its glory years of the 1980s and the super league War that raged in the 1990s that nearly saw the game destroyed.

The Rugby League Chronicles podcast is a fascinating exploration of the rivalries, infighting and drama of rugby league history. A victim of its own success, the game would face turbulent times during the Super League War, as a battle over control of the game was reminiscent of the game’s chaotic beginnings.

Rugby League Chronicles

From 1908 to the Super League

As both sides of the Super League War form a truce, the real battle begins. Clubs are forced to merge or die as the number of premiership teams is reduced from 22 to just 14. Foundation clubs that have existed for nearly 100 years, will fight each other to survive or be cut from the competition forever. Out of the ashes will emerge a new Club, the Wests Tigers.

As both sides of the Super League War form a truce, the real battle begins. Clubs are forced to merge or die as the number of premiership teams is reduced from 22 to just 14. Foundation clubs that have existed for nearly 100 years, will fight each other to survive or be cut from the competition forever. Out of the ashes will emerge a new Club, the Wests Tigers.

Merge or die?

Born out of the working-class shores of Sydney Harbour, the Balmain Tigers would become one of the most successful clubs in rugby league history. Despite their success, the Tigers would struggle for survival in the 1990s due to the changing face of the region and the game. This episode covers the triumphs and trials of this proud and celebrated club.

Born out of the working-class shores of Sydney Harbour, the Balmain Tigers would become one of the most successful clubs in rugby league history. Despite their success, the Tigers would struggle for survival in the 1990s due to the changing face of the region and the game. This episode covers the triumphs and trials of this proud and celebrated club.

Working-class Tigers turbulent 90s

The perennial battlers from Sydney’s west, the Wests Magpies were renowned for their tough, aggressive style of footy. Always the underdogs, the Magpies faced adversity at every turn, fighting for survival in the top league for the whole of their existence. This episode unearths the highs and lows and legendary characters of this great rugby league club.

The perennial battlers from Sydney’s west, the Wests Magpies were renowned for their tough, aggressive style of footy. Always the underdogs, the Magpies faced adversity at every turn, fighting for survival in the top league for the whole of their existence. This episode unearths the highs and lows and legendary characters of this great rugby league club.

From 1908 to the Super League

In 1 playlist(s)

Rugby League Chronicles

Follow podcast

Recent clips