Birchgrove Oval’s iconic status as the first ground to host a Premiership match will be immortalised on a centenary plaque to be unveiled during Sunday’s celebrations at the historic ground.

The plaque is one of almost 180 being unveiled across Australia to commemorate significant venues in Rugby League’s 100-year history.

The presentation will follow the VB NSW Cup match between Balmain and Western Suburbs, who will do battle 100 years to the day of their first encounter on April 20, 1908.

Sunday’s presentation follows that of Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground plaque unveiling which will take place at the Under-18 Regional Championships on Saturday.

The No.1 Sportsground presentation will also honour Newcastle Rugby League’s foundation site of ‘Pike’s Rooms’ – the restaurant and refreshment rooms of James H. Pike where in 1908 meetings were held that led to the establishment of Rugby League in Newcastle.

Earlier this week Gold Coast’s favourite son Paul Broughton unveiled a centenary plaque to honour the Titans’ new home ground Skilled Park while Gosford unveiled its own to pay tribute to Grahame Park, now Bluetongue Stadium.

On Sunday Orange’s Wade Park will be honoured for its proud history since April 27, 1912. That day Sydney clubs Eastern Suburbs (captained by Dally Messenger) and Glebe (led by Kangaroo, Chris McKivat) contested the town’s first ever Rugby League match, and it has remained a prominent Group 10 venue ever since.

Monday Night Football takes on extra importance for the Canberra Raiders next week, who will unveil a centenary plaque honouring their home ground in Canberra Stadium in the lead-up to their match against Melbourne, while on Wednesday the Brisbane Broncos will pay tribute to their former home in ANZ Stadium (now Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre).