THE
RUGBY REBELLION
The Divide of League and Union
Sean Fagan
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It was the signing that gave birth to rugby league in Australia, but a new book claims that Dally Messenger's switch of codes in 1907 stopped Aussie rules becoming the main code in NSW and Queensland, and, ironically, ensured rugby union survived.
The Rugby Rebellion: The Divide of League and Union, written by Sydney author and sports historian Sean Fagan, reveals how Messenger's decision changed the future of Australian sport.
The story of Messenger's signing, amidst a battle between all three codes for 'ownership' of Sydney football, is laid out in gripping detail - it reads like a novel.
"It will be considered
a classic."
[Peter Sharpham, author of 'The First Wallabies']
"Its revelations
are fascinating."
[The Sydney Morning Herald]
"It has left all
competitors behind."
[The Canberra Times]
"A fabulous sporting
story."
[Ian Heads, sports historian and author]