Despite the obvious similarity between the rugby ball and that of American football, both sports are, in fact, worlds apart. Rugby traces its origins to the early 1800s when the sport was developed in an England school. 

Ever since, rugby league has become extremely popular in Europe and particularly in Oceania, where teams in countries like New Zealand and Australia play the sport under the auspices of the National Rugby League. 

Ready to discover all about the National Rugby League (NRL) and its rich history? Kate Richardson, a leading sports analyst zooms in on the development of the NRL in recent times, highlights of the past season and star rugby players to watch out for in the league. 

A Brief History of NRL

The National Rugby League was essentially established as the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) in 1908 and is now the top professional rugby league Competition in Australasia, with teams from Australia and New Zealand. The modern competition commenced in 1998 as a joint partnership between the Australian Rugby League (ARL) and the Super League and - although the partnership was dissolved in 2012 - continued mainly as one would have predicted, thus becoming one of the most viewed sports of all of the Australian sporting competitions at the time (most sports, of course, contract natural seasonal fluctuations at various points throughout the year).

The season for the League is from March to October, with each team playing 24 matches. The minor Premiership is awarded to the first-placed team at the end of the regular season.

This is followed by a final series contested between the eight highest-placed teams from the regular season. The season culminates in the Premiership deciding grand final, with the winners competing in the World Club Challenge against the Champions of the English Super League afterward.

In the world of professional rugby league, the reigning premiers are the Penrith Panthers, having won their sixth Premiership and fourth consecutive in 2024. The NRL's Grand Final is one of the most-watched sporting events in Australia, attracting millions of viewers annually.

It is a competition that boasts fierce rivalries, incredible athletes, and some of the most exciting matches in rugby league history. 

According to Laurie Daley, "Rugby league is a simple game played by simple people. Rugby union is a complex game played by wankers."

NRL Records

Over the years, the National Rugby League has set and broken records, and here are some of them:

  • Most Premierships: South Sydney Rabbitohs (21)
  • Most minor Premierships: Sydney Roosters (20)
  • Most Premierships in a Row: St George (11)
  • Most wooden Spoons: Western Suburbs Magpies (17)
  • Highest score in a game: St. George against Canterbury (91) 1935
  •  Highest winning margin: St. George vs Canterbury in 1935, winning 85-0
  •  Longest winning streak: 19 matches, Eastern Suburbs Roosters (1975); Melbourne Storm (2021)
  • Longest undefeated Streak: Eastern Suburbs (35 games) 1935 -1938
  •  Longest losing streak: Sydney University Rugby League FC, 1934 - 1936 (42 games)

NRL Rivalries

The stakes go way up, as well as emotions, as players face other opponents in league competitions. A few of these rivalries over the years are presented as follows:

  1. Cowboys vs Sharks. One of the more recent rivalries in the NRL, the Cowboys and the Sharks are quickly becoming bitter enemies. These two teams have a habit of running into each other in brutal finals contests, and no one will forget the infamous seven-tackle try in 2013.
  2. Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels. The match between the two is called the "Western Sydney Derby" or "The Battle of the West." Apart from local 'bragging rights,' the rivalry between both teams is partly founded in bitterness associated with the historical status of the Penrith district as part of the Parramatta rugby league district.
  3. Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles. These two teams have been involved in a Modern-day rivalry. They have played against one another 44 times since 1998, with Melbourne ahead in the head-to-head 26:17; there has also been a drawn match between both sides.
  4. South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters. The rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs is regarded as the first in the NRL and the oldest continuing rivalry, with both clubs founded in 1908. Both clubs have had the 10 most memorable clashes and still compete as stand-alone entities in the NRL.
  5. Broncos Vs Cowboys. These clubs have produced top games over the years. The Queensland Derby was first contested in 1995 and features the two longest-serving Queensland-based clubs in the NRL.

NRL Rising Stars

As the season of 2025 NRL approaches, keep an eye open for these individuals:

  1. Joseph Suaalii

Suaalii's combination of strength and skill makes him a formidable opponent. He's poised to dominate the NRL for years to come.

  1. Ezra Mam

Mam's playmaking abilities and quick thinking have made him a standout player. Fans should expect big things from this rising star.

  1. Keaon Koloamatangi

Koloamatangi is sure to be on the watch list for the 2025 season, given his excellent work rate and versatile playing style.

2024 NRL Highlights: Season to Remember

The 2024 NRL season delivered drama, skill, and unforgettable performances. Here are some standout moments:

  1. Magic in Brisbane

The Magic Round has fast become a must-attend event for every rugby league fan. The NRL descends on Brisbane for eight games, 16 teams in one spot, and a weekend of rugby league. Round 11 this year saw nail-biters all weekend. Every game was played to a full house, and it would take a brave man to suggest the same won't happen next season.

  1. Record-Breaking Scorers

Players like Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell continued to dazzle fans with their exceptional point-scoring abilities. Nathan Cleary has consistently ranked among the top point-scorers, amassing over 200 points in the 2024 season. Cleary's precision in goal-kicking remains unmatched.

  1. Crowds on the Up

The crowds were as good as they had been at any point in the NRL last year. The home and away season is averaging a staggering 19,754 per game, which is over 100k per week, which is a fantastic record over the previous year.

Why the NRL Stands Out

Here's what makes the NRL stand out:

  • The NRL has expanded its reach with matches in New Zealand and Partnerships in the Pacific.
  • Players from all walks of cultural life add flavor to the League's pool of talent.
  • NRL fans are the most passionate and dedicated fanbase in the world.

The NRL's unpredictability makes it a favorite among sports bettors. Due to its betting appeal, the sport is now popular across a ton of other countries where rugby wasn't previously famous like in Switzerland, many parts of Western Europe and Asia. MightyTips, an internationally reputed tipster platform, had identified the popularity of rugby betting in local bookies. 

According to one of the top-rated Swiss sites that MightyTips talks about, rugby league betting has seen significant growth, particularly in the live betting sites. Top sportsbooks in the country offer unparalleled customer support and multiple betting markets, making it a top choice for rugby fans.  

Conclusion

Whether it's the thrill of a rivalry march, the excitement of a rising star, or anticipation of the next Grand Final, the NRL sure never disappoints. Without a doubt, the NRL is where history is made, and legends are born. Stay tuned for the 2025 season, and do not miss any updates from Zero Tackle.