Soem

Amongst the exciting events celebrating Rugby League’s 100th year in 2008 is the unveiling of more than 180 Centenary Plaques throughout Australia’s vast array of Rugby League venues.

The Centenary Plaques program has been put in place to commemorate sites of historical significance to Rugby League - such as stadiums, suburban grounds and club formation sites.

Fans around the country will have the chance to participate in the commemoration of their own home ground, where countless weekends were and continue to be spent cheering on their favourite team, whilst clubs will have the chance to honour their rich histories in the game with an attractive bronzed Plaque emblazoned with the Centenary of Rugby League logo.

An extensive selection process saw the Centenary Plaques program reach to every state and territory in Australia – with large venues such as the Sydney Cricket Ground, Suncorp Stadium and the WACA joining smaller– but no less treasured – grounds like Dubbo’s Victoria Park or Ipswich’s TC Seery Oval.  Country areas make up nearly half of the Centenary Plaque locations, with towns such as Junee, Oberon (NSW), Rockhampton and Barcaldine (QLD), just a few set to celebrate their proud histories in the game.

In fact, nearly every aspect of Australia’s Rugby League landscape is covered by a Centenary Plaque – with Plaques dedicated to the commemoration of Indigenous Rugby League, NRL first-grade clubs, foundation clubs, former Premiership clubs, NSW and Queensland Country, and those sites which were host to the foundation of the game itself in Australia – such as the site of Bateman’s Hotel on George Street, Sydney.

The Plaque itself bears a prominent Centenary logo, the venue name, and a short paragraph on why the venue has been selected as a site of historical significance to Australian Rugby League.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs unveiled the first Centenary Plaque on January 17 at the Redfern Town Hall – paying tribute to the site of the famous Sydney club’s formation in 1908.

The Balmain Tigers and Sydney Roosters unveiled the first of their Centenary Plaques at the end of January at their respective anniversaries.

ANZ Stadium will be honoured at the highly-anticipated Centenary Fan Day on Saturday, 2 February 2008.

Further Centenary Plaque unveiling dates will be announced as Rugby League’s 100th season progresses.

Download a full list of all plaques that have been issued.