About
Newtown Rugby League Football Club was formed on January 8, 1908, at an overflow public meeting in the Newtown Town Hall. The meeting had been convened by the prominent Sydney sportsman James J. Giltinan (after whom the NSW Rugby League Premiership shield is named), Labor MP Henry Hoyle, and Harry Hammill (who was to be the fledgling club’s first captain). From the very beginning, Newtown became noted for its gritty, never-say-die spirit, and the ability to make the best of limited financial resources. Located in a rock-solid working class district, Newtown was seen as the definitive battlers’ team, and one associated with the best fighting qualities inherent in the Australian character. Newtown’s first Premiership in the NSW Rugby League was in 1910, with a team that included seven players who were to tour with the all-conquering Kangaroos of 1911/12. The Bluebags, as they were known from 1908-1972, were runners-up in 1913, 1914 and 1929, before winning a second Premiership title in 1933.