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A century ago, the rugby communities, NSW, Queensland and New Zealand were full of rumour and debate - one question hung over it all: were the whispers of a coming rebellion true? The 15-man game, its coffers overflowing from the great crowds its teams could draw, was seen to be treating its players poorly.

In England, such a climate had led directly to the Great Split of 1895, and the establishment of rugby league (the 13-man game). Was it possible that the rugby divide would repeat itself here?

This remarkable era, when any sports fan would surely have been glad to be alive, is the backdrop for this brilliantly researched history that will be of interest to both codes.

In its unfolding way, it is a thrilling tale - of how rugby in Australia became such a stunning success that it led to an uprising by footy-playing working class blokes dismayed they were not getting a 'fair go'.

The dramatic outcome of that anger was the formation of rugby league (1908). However, the battle was far from over. The rugby establishment fought back hard against the 'new professionalism', and the loss of star players - none less than the great 'Dally' Messenger, rugby's pride and champion footballer.

Fagan skillfully pieces together the jigsaw of what went right…or wrong - depending on which way you may wish to consider it - of a time long ago when rugby wars broke out in Australia and New Zealand, when Kangaroos played against Wallabies, and our sporting winters changed forever.

"A fabulous sporting story."
- Ian Heads