Newcastle District Rugby League Club Formed

10th April 1908

The public meeting on the 10th of Februray failed to form the rugby league club. But Arthur Chambers who put forward the motion, continued to negotiate with the NSW rugby league. Giltinan and Hoyle again visited Newcastle meeting in the Tattersall's Hotel on Hunter St in secret.

Then on the 10th of April, 15 players who had been isolated from the rugby community met outside the Central Hotel and agreed to form the Newcastle Rugby League football club. They all signed a cigarette packet and the club was formed.

However, travel costs were going to be a issue so Ernie Patfield was sent to Sydney. Newcastle were seeking money from the NSW rugby league to cover expenses. Giltinan offered a cheque, but Patfield declared "No money, no team". The NSW rugby league were desperate for their 8th team. So Giltinan promptly paid for Newcastle's inclusion in the newly formed competition.

So keen were the NSW rugby league to grow the game, they included games against the touring New Zealand team, with Dally Messenger to turn out for the local team.

Newcastle adopted a red and white hopped jersey.