The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New South Wales. It is a member of the Australian Rugby League. The New South Wales Rugby League was formed by players who were discontented with the administration of the New South Wales Rugby Union. The first rugby league game in New South Wales was played on August 17 1907, in which New Zealand defeated New South Wales rugby league team 12-8.
The Sydney premiership was started on April 20 1908. Nine teams contested the initial season. They were:
- Balmain
- Cumberland
- Eastern Suburbs
- Glebe
- Newcastle
- Newtown
- North Sydney
- Western Suburbs
- South Sydney
This competition ran continuously until 1994 when it was supersceded by the Australian Rugby League competition.
Today the NSWRL administers the New South Wales State of Origin team and organises lower grade and junior competions.