Kangaroos versus Wallabies Charity Game Proposed
19th May 1909
The League on behalf of the League has been trying to do something towards helping the Lord Mayor's Dreadnought Fund. They forwarded the following letter to the Lord Mayor of Sydney -
My Lord, - as nearly all sections of the community are now co-operating to swell the funds for your Dreadnought scheme, may I suggest that the different bodies controlling Rugby football should unite in showing their patriotism and at least for once "bury the hatchet", by agreeing to give a combined football display during the season. To give effect to my suggestion, I propose that Rugby League (Kangaroos) should play a friendly game with the Rugby Union (the Wallabies), the entire proceeds to be devoted to your proposed Dreadnought funds. Arrangements may also be made to obtain the grounds free of charge, and for that benefit we are prepared to give the Agricultural Grounds free of charge. I understand that there is absolutely nothing in the rules governing either body to prevent such a match taking place, and if necessary I beleive our body is prepared to play under the odl Rugby Union rules. I am prepared to arrange a conference between the League and the Union body if the latter is willing to meet us. I am aware that Rugby Union has already arranged a benefit match to take place on Wednesday, but I venture to predict that the proceeds from this Wednesday's match would be insignificant compared to the handsome donation the funds would receive if my suggestion is carried out. There is not a ground in Sydney sufficiently large enough to hold one-half of the crowd that would turn up at this match. Kindly place this matter before the Rugby Union officials and their reply.
Mr E.W.O'Sullivan (President of the N.S.W. Rugby Football League)
Rumours Abound - Wallabies will play Kangaroos
25th August 1909
Anyone could easily imagine that a bolt or bomb from the provebial blue had fallen and burst in Rugby Football circles by the excitement that has been raging during the last week. The startling information is being fired off from the tip of the tongue of every Rugby enthusiast around town: "The Wallabies are going to play the Kangaroos"
Kangaroos verses Wallabies Series Announced
1st September 1909
Today the NSW Rugby League announces the first of the matches under Northern Union rules between players who were members of the "Wallabies" team and a team from the League, will take place at the Agricultural Ground on Saturday next.
An idea of a Wallabies v Kangaroos match was mooted soon after both teams returned from their respective 1908-09 tours of England. But as both the regular RU season was ending and the Maori tour were ending secret meetings weregot underway. Bill Flegg brother of Jersey Flegg offered £500 to assist in securing players at £10 each but this was not considered enough. Then SG Ball approached Joynton Smith, a wealth English man who had arrived in Sydney. A meeting occurred in the Imperial Arcade and Smith agreed immediately to guarantee £1,800 for the venture. Then player meeting began in secret initially offered £50, but that quickly doubled to £100, which 11 players accepted. A years wages. Chris McVivat was highest paid player on £200, while AJ.McCabe and Paddy McCue each received £150.
A meeting of the Metroplitan RU was called for the Sydney based Wallabies. Barnett and the Burge brothers were called but did not answer. DB. Carroll then appeared and the RU President declared - "You have seen the reports in the press. Did you attend any of those meetings?. No. Did anyone ask you to take part in any of these matches? Yes. What matches were they?. Three. Between the Wallabies and the Kangaroos? Yes."
A Three match match series was arranged on September 4, 8 and 11. The Wallabies played in light blue of NSW.
Ref - FN-17