At this exact time 110 years ago, Sydney’s sporting landscape was abuzz with controversy - generated by the decision of many footy players to switch to a new version of rugby; one in which men could participate with the knowledge they would receive at least some financial compensation if they missed work shifts because of injuries suffered on the field.

If you follow a Sydney-based rugby league team, particularly one originally located within inner Sydney, then it was formed at the local town hall or a local pub. All of those rivalries, tries, famous wins, heartbreaking losses, your team’s identity and history ... can be traced back to the day it was officially formed in 1908.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs were formed at the Redfern Town Hall. (Photo by James Smith)

It’s difficult but interesting to think, as you’re standing in front of a quaint building like Redfern Town Hall on Pitt St, that all that history – Churchill, the cardinal and myrtle, Piggins, Sattler - sprouted from a meeting held in the inner city village’s town hall.  

All of the town halls we’re talking about here are public buildings; none of them are fenced-off museum relics. You can walk up to them, and on certain days even go inside them and check them out for yourself. Hold your own meetings in them if you want to.

These magnificent and historic venues are often forgotten when it comes to honouring rugby league’s past, but they’re still standing proudly as monuments to civic progress, as well as brilliant reminders of the origins of the 13-player game in Australia.