At the turn of the twentieth century, under the bleak, grey skies of northern England, a modified form of rugby union - Northern Union - was played for the first time.
It took a few years to get to Australia, but when it did the NSW Rugby Union was torn in two. Disgruntled union players, led by local icon Henry Messenger, agreed to form a breakaway professional code and "rugby league" as it was renamed, was born. Now, as we enter the 21st century, fans can look back on a truly magnificent 100 years of rugby league - the sport so many Australians regard as "the greatest game of all." There to record every try and every tackle was 'The Daily Telegraph' which has painstakingly documented the game's dramatic history in this indispensable book.
Beautifully illustrated with full-colour photos and complemented by thought-provoking commentary, this book showcases everything that is truly great about the game - the history, the tradition, the passion, the legends, the heroes, the titanic matches, the bone-jarring State of Origin clashes . . .this is the must-have companion for every league fan.
