Balmain Tigers are throwing a big, long party to celebrate its centenary next week.
On January 23, 1908, Balmain Tigers Rugby League Football Club was formed at a meeting at Balmain Town Hall. The Tigers became one of the greatest rugby league clubs, winning 11 first grade premierships – the last in 1969.

At NRL level, Balmain played its last premiership match on August 14, 1999, after 92 seasons in the competition. The Tigers then joined fellow foundation club, Western Suburbs Magpies, to form the Wests Tigers.

To celebrate its proud history, TIGERS (Balmain Leagues Club) will host a mammoth birthday party, starting on Wednesday, January 23.

In conveying the true values inherent of the Club, members, guests and the whole Tigers community are invited to enjoy true TIGERS hospitality on Wednesday, January 23.  The official party kicks off at 3.00pm with presentations taking place at 5.30pm with the unveiling of the NRL Centenary Plaque, the launch of the Tigers Centenary Medal and the cutting of a huge 100th Birthday Cake.  Musicians, magicians and face painters will entertain the large crowd expected to pay homage throughout the day and night.

The celebrations are set to reaffirm Balmain Tigers’ position as a Foundation Club of Rugby League and highlight the significant contribution the Club has made to the history of the game.

Ex players, supporters, community leaders, volunteers and former administrators will travel from near and far to take part in this unique occasion. 
Some of the Wests Tigers players -  including Balmain juniors Dene Halatau and Bronson Harrison - will be present from 5.30pm to 7pm to meet and greet supporters.

Already, the community is embracing the event with sightings of the famous Black & Gold adorning the streets and shop fronts.

On Thursday, January 24, a Kids to Kangaroos coaching clinic will be held at historic Birchgrove Oval from 9am to 2pm.

Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers players will be on hand from 2pm to 3pm to meet supporters and sign autographs.

Supporters can then attend an open training session of the Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers and Balmain SG Ball teams from 4.30pm to 6pm.

The players will then return to TIGERS (Balmain Leagues Club) at 7pm for merchandise and poster signing.

For the children on Friday, January 25, Alvin and the Chipmunks Live Show will be at the club, singing their latest songs, straight from their box-office hit movie. After the show, children can meet Alvin, Theodore and Simon so bring your camera. You can also win movie tickets to see the Chipmunks on the big screen.

For trivia buffs, why not test your Tiger knowledge on Saturday, January 26, at Tigers Trivia. Great prizes to be won, so get a team together.

Enjoy some ‘Old Time Fun’ at TIGERS’ Chicken and Prawn night with entertainment from ‘Frogs on Toast’.

One of Sydney’s best party bands, The Enormous Horns, will finish up the Birthday Week at TIGERS on Monday night (28 January).

All ticketed events are on sale now via the TIGERS Ticket line on 9556 0400.
More celebrations are planned throughout the year.  For the latest information on the Balmain Tigers Centenary celebrations, go to http://www.tigers.org.au/.