The NRL is the premier rugby league competition in the world consisting of 16 teams, 15 from Australia and 1 from New Zealand. It was formed in 1908 and officially began in 1998, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008. Some of the most famous aspects of the NRL include State of Origin, which pits the best players from New South Wales against Queensland, and stars of the game like Benji Marshall, Darren Lockyer, and Mal Meninga.

1. The NRL is the worlds biggest rugby league competition in the world (national rugby league) This competition is contested between 16 teams 15 teams are from Australia and 1 team is from New Zealand It has grown in popularity over the years During the regular season of the NRL there are other league matches that are played like the famous state of origin and the Kiwis vs. Australia Anzac test. State of origin is decided by the best of three and the kiwis match is a one of event. The NRL

2. In 1908 the NSWRL (new south wales rugby league) and the QRL (Queensland rugby league) begun the idea of a rugby league competition This was the first year but it was not called the NRL until 1998 this was the first official year of the NRL. It celebrated its 100 th anniversary in 2008 The foundation clubs of the NRL is the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters. They have both been around for over 100 years. The NRL is now watched all over the world by many people and produces some of the best matches ever. There have been 23 different clubs that have played in the NRL and only 16 remain today. History of the NRL

3. Benji Marshall is one of the stars of the NRL he plays for the west tigers. Benji was born on the 25 th of February 1985. He made his NRL debut on the 27 th July in 2003 against the Knights he was 18. Benji made his debut as a fullback and has later on moved in the number 6 jersey. Benji played his first game for the kiwis in 2005 for the four nations side. Benji has only won 1 premiership and that came in 2005 against the Cowboys and has also won the golden boot which is the best player in the world this came last year. THE BEST PLAYERS OF THIS ERA Benji Marshall

4. Darren Lockyer is truly a legend in the game of rugby league. He has played the most NRL games with a record of over 350 games for the same club the Broncos. Darren has represented both the Kangaroos and Queensland and has had the opportunity of being the captain for both the kangaroos and Queensland. He played his first game in 1995 as a 18 year old against the Eels and is still going strong in 2011. He has won 4 premierships with the Broncos and has picked up many awards like the Clive Churchill medal Dally M and also the Golden boot. Darren Lockyer

5. The state of origin is one of the highlights of the year for rugby league. This is a competition between 2 states Queensland and New South Wales, This produces some of the best rugby league moments ever. Queensland has dominated the past 6 years of this competition. This competition started in 1980 and has gotten bigger and bigger. This match showcases some of the worlds finest league players like Jonathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer. Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and many more. STATE OF ORIGIN

6. Mal Meninga is a legend in rugby league. Mal was born on the 8 th of July 1960. He played his footty for the Canberra raiders and also coached them from 1997-2001. Mal is now the coach of the very successful team Queensland. He played at centre and second row for the Raiders and was announced in the team of the century in 2008. Legends of Rugby Legue Mal Meninga

7. Stacey Jones is one of the best players to ever come out of New Zealand. Stacey played his footy for the warriors from 1995 to 2005 and a little comeback in 2009. He also has played for the kiwis from 1995 to 2005 and led them to tri nations victory in 2005. He was born on the 7 th of May in 1976. He is one of the most famous players that has come out of the club the warriors. STACEY JONES

8. The NRL grand final is the climax of the NRL this is when the best 2 teams in the competition battle it out to be called the NRL premiers. 2010 saw Dragons overcome the Roosters with a impressive 32 to 8 win. The first ever Grand final saw Rabbitohs beat eastern shrubs 14-12 this was the beginning of amazing things that has came about. Rabbitohs have won the most of these titles, a record 20 times. In 2008 Manly sea eagles recorded the biggest win with a 40-0 win over the Storm. The Grand Final