'Birth of Professional Rugby League in Australia: A selection from the Sydney Morning Herald (1907-08)' Summary

The year 1907 marked a turning point in Australian rugby. News of a professional New Zealand All Blacks team touring England sparked an unprecedented debate about the future of the sport. The unthinkable occurred as the All Blacks' professional status influenced the formation of a professional league in Sydney. This selection of articles from the Sydney Morning Herald chronicles the heated discourse that ensued, showcasing the clash between those upholding amateurism and those advocating for professionalization. The book illuminates the complexities of the situation, demonstrating how concerns for the game's well-being and players' welfare were intertwined with class-based interests, colonial perspectives, and the pursuit of profit. This historical account offers a fascinating glimpse into the birth of professional rugby league in Australia, highlighting the profound impact of a single decision on the evolution of a national sport.