Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Club Formed

24th January 1908

A club affiliated with the NSW Rugby Football League to represent the Eastern Suburbs was formed on Friday night, at the Paddington Town Hall. The chair was occupied by Mr H. Hoyle (president), whilst on the platform were several players who represented the Eastern Suburbs in first grade matches last season. The chairman explained the objects of the league and the reasons which brought it into being. Mr J J Giltinan (secretary of the league) also spoke. Referring to the term professionalism it was pointed out that the new body strongly protested against it as applied to them. Professionalism could not exist in New South Wales, neither was there a necessity for it. Financially the league had nothing to fear. It had a bank guarantee of £3000 for expenses and 70 per cent of the gross gate takings offered by the Northern Union for the visiting leagues team.

The officers elected were: - Patron Lieutenant Colonel Onslow, M.L.A.; president Mr Albert Pointing; vice-presidents Messrs James White, James Lawrence, J.F.Wadsworth, W.Weeks, W.Austin, J.Jagelman; hon. secretary. Mr H.Flegg; hon. treasurer Mr E.Hooper; committee, Messrs V.Trumper, E.White J.Stuntz, R.Mabie W.Leslie J.Thompson S.Pierce, M.Frawley A.Roscnfeldt, N.Rosenfeldt, F.Brennan and F.D'Alpuget.

Eastern Suburbs also played in their rugby district colours and jersey. But chose to wear a jersey that mainly had red with small blue and white hoops.

Due to district residency rules, Dally Messenger who was the key signing by the NSWRL will play for Eastern Suburbs.