A CENTURY OF QUOTES
Source: NRL Media

Rugby League is a game that has attracted headlines and passionate debate.

Over one hundred years there have been those keen to predict its doom and others who have marvelled at its speed and skill.

Kangaroos skipper Darren Lockyer describes the prospect of being part of Rugby League's Centenary season in 2008 as one of the highlights of his outstanding career.

“The Centenary for me is as much a celebration of the game's past as it is an opportunity to launch into the next chapter. It is a great honour to be part of such a monumental year and it is certain to be something I look fondly on when my Rugby League career is over,” Lockyer said.

“It is always a privilege to pull on the green and gold jersey, but to do so in the game's Centenary year will be that much more special.”

The following is a collection of just some of the statements, past and present, that reflect on the significance of Rugby League and its Centenary celebrations:

“It is a great honour to be representing all of the players who have pulled on a jersey since 1908 in the game's Centenary year.” - Newcastle Knights and NSW Origin captain Danny Buderus.

“Next year promises to be the biggest in our game's history. I'll be playing for not only my team-mates but for all my friends, coaches and managers that have helped me make it to where I am today.”  - Melbourne Storm's Greg Inglis.

“I salute the contribution that Rugby League has made to Australia's national identity, it's a tough game. It started as a working man's game; it's become every man's game now. It still retains that working class character and that's part of its heart and soul and I hope it always does, but it is also a game that has reached out to the entire community.” - Australian Prime Minister, Mr John Howard.

“Rugby League has been a dominant part of the sporting fabric of NSW and a favourite topic of debate in pubs and workplaces since the first whistle blew a century ago. It has continually evolved with the times, most recently adapting to the new era of professional sport with brilliant athletes providing spectacular entertainment. No matter what team you follow, I have no doubt that in 100 years time the tribal loyalty of Rugby League fans in NSW will be as strong as it is today.” - NSW Premier, Mr Morris Iemma.

“The Centenary of Rugby League is not only a milestone in sporting terms, but a very close reflection of the growth and change within the Queensland community over the past 100 years. Being a proud North Queenslander, I grew up with Rugby League as a part of my life and, to this day, continue to be amazed at the skill of players and the passion of fans alike. The Queensland Government is giving its full support to the Centenary of Rugby League, from the grass-roots right through to the World Cup final in Brisbane next November. May we see a fitting celebration of Rugby League's importance to our great state, underlining the rich history and bonds which have existed since 1908.” - Queensland Premier, Mr Peter Beattie.

“To be part of a Centenary season is a special moment for all players and fans and a chance to look to the future as well as celebrate the past.” - NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop.

"Such have been the achievements of the game since its beginning in 1908 that it will take a year and the full involvement of all members of the League family to do justice to the story of the first 100 years." ARL Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM.

“The difference between the new rugby and the old rugby is as a motor car compared to the bullock wagon.” - Sydney Morning Herald, 1908.

“The affair is hardly worthy of notice - the League will be a ‘nine-day wonder'.” - a NSWRU official commenting to the Sydney Morning Herald about the formation of the NSWRL, August 1907.

“League football has come to stay in this state. It has come, it has been seen ... and it has conquered.” - The Sportsman, 1908.

“You take my word, any player identified with professional rugby will be disqualified, and that for life.” - NSWRU official quoted in The Star, 1907. 

“This is a game for racehorses.” - Pioneer Rugby League star Arthur Hennessy, circa 1908.

 “The game is greater than the players. It must go on in its full bloom and glory long after each generation of players, great and small, passes on to the benches.” - JC Davis (‘The Cynic', editor of ‘The Referee'), 1920.

“…Until the day is reached when all clubs are of such equality that nobody can say with any degree of certainty which is going to beat the other. It is a high ideal, but one which should be attained, for, after all, every player is made of the same flesh and blood and has an even opportunity of becoming as efficient as his fellowmen! This is the kind of game we want.” - Rugby League News, 1935.

“The game ... must constantly be as speedy as human feet and hands can make it, with that element of excitement which has the onlookers thronging to the grounds and remaining on their feet during the whole 80 minutes of the game.” - Rugby League News.

“The greatest game of all." - Horrie Mille, NSWRL secretary, 1914-16.

"The thirteen team (sic) always means hard playing from start to finish. You never know the result until the whistle blows. A team might be 14 points ahead of you in the first half and 14 points behind you in the second.  You've got to play hard until the last moment.” - Dally Messenger, a week before the opening round in 1908, gives his assessment of the football he had learnt with the All Golds in England.

“I think the new game under Rugby League rules, with 13 men a side, is the better game. It's hotter from a player's point of view, and it's a better game for the onlookers. It's a splendid game to watch - always fast. A man has to get into tip-top "nick" to play it." - Dally Messenger, 1908.

“What manner of men they were who built up, from a shaky foundation, an edifice which seems likely to stand for all time as a monument to enterprise and courage.” - Claude Corbett, 1935.

“When the next 50 years have passed let us hope the game will be controlled by good and true men and another celebration will be held.” - NSWRL President Harry Flegg speaking at the 50 th anniversary dinner of the NSWRL, August 8, 1957.

“Few sports devised by man have aroused emotions of spectators as frequently as Rugby League. It's a game for all ages, with boys of five and six already involved in it and old men who have retired keen for the weekend to arrive and with it another chance to support the team they have followed for so many years.” - Dragons great Norm Provan, 1965.

“In its modern dress or its old, it is a fine, fine game - the best of all, I reckon, played by men with a ball in their hands.” - Frank Hyde, 1995.

“The day that God invented Rugby League he didn't do anything else but sit around and feel good.” - Jack Gibson.

2008 RUGBY LEAGUE CENTENARY NEWS & UPDATES