Councillor Philippa Scott
Fans and locals are invited to be part of building the first ever Inner West Museum of Rugby League at the ‘Eighth Wonder’ Leichhardt Oval. Inner West Council is launching a call for submissions of stories, photos and memorabilia from rugby league fans to help bring the new museum to life.
To give the community a taste of what’s to come, the old Caretaker’s cottage across from the Mary Street entrance has been transformed into a temporary multi-room museum featuring memorabilia, archival images and videos, and new interviews. The content is organised into an interactive timeline, tracing the origins of Rugby League in the community from 1908 to now.
The first ever game played at Birchgrove Oval on 20 April 1908 saw Balmain defeat Western Suburbs 24-0. Of the 8 teams that competed in the 1910 competition, 5 were from the Inner West: Annandale, Balmain, Glebe, Newtown and Western Suburbs. While some of these clubs have now gone, merged or been reborn, the seminal role the Inner West has played in the birth, growth and evolution of Rugby League is undeniable.
Councillor Philippa Scott said it’s exciting that this history will be captured for the first time ever in this unique, boutique museum. “Rugby League is woven into threads of our community. It’s fitting that this first stage of our new museum is in the same cottage that Balmain Tigers legend, Wayne ‘Junior’ Pearce grew up in.”
“This is the Inner West’s story to tell. Integral to creating the museum’s collection will be capturing and celebrating the unique characters and amazing stories of the game and the role it has played in the lives of the people of the Inner West since its inception in 1908.”
“But we need the community’s help. This is something we’re building together.”
Council is calling on the Rugby League community to share their stories or memorabilia to help build the collection by telling us their Inner West Rugby League stories or lending or donating their precious memorabilia.
As part of the display in the cottage this season there is a Story Wall where these stories will be curated and featured.
There will also be a visually stunning Storybox installation in front of the cottage until the end of October. This 2 metre cube with video walls will feature an everchanging visual display of some of the video and stills content already gathered for the museum.
Fans will be able to check out this sneak peek of the museum on game days over the next six months from April to October 2026. The final museum will be part of Council’s massive renovation of Leichhardt Oval, with a new way to recognise and celebrate the rich history of the game in our community opening in 2028.
You can find more information and share your Inner West Rugby League story here:
Inner West Museum of Rugby League
For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au