In 2009 the NSW Tertiary Student Rugby League had 12 clubs from Sydney, Bathurst, Canberra and Newcastle, making it one of the most geographically spread competitions under the New South Wales Rugby League.

With a significant influx of teams joining the NSW Tertiary Student Rugby League after the competition was originally created, it was deemed that in 1973 a Second Division competition would be created.

* Bill Buckley Memorial Trophy 3rd v 4th Play-off match The NSW Tertiary Student Rugby League operated a Third Division competition from 1981 to 2004.

The Annual City v Country clash gives a chance for some of the best players from the NSW Tertiary Student League competition to battle it out for the City/Country Shield.

Twelve clubs from Sydney, Bathurst, Canberra Newcastle have confirmed their participation in the 2009 New South Wales Tertiary League season.