The original franchise from Newcastle competed in the inaugural Sydney Rugby League premiership of 1908 but withdrew after the 1909 season to form the local competition under the banner of the Northern Branch of the NSWRL.
Newcastle played against the touring New Zealand team in a tight match almost pulling off an upset before going down 21–20.
[2] The NSW Football League sacked most of the local officials following an early game of the 1917 season in which the Western Suburbs Club played a disqualified player.
The Newcastle Sports Ground (No1) was officially opened 16 September 1922 on land donated by the Australian Agricultural Company.
Football games were first broadcast on the radio in this decade, but only after considerable debate by Newcastle Rugby League.
The record score was established in this decade on 27 July 1939, when Northern Suburbs defeated Morpeth-East Maitland 127–16.
North winger Alf Fairhall scored 11 tries and kicked 14 goals, with the game called off 20 minutes early.
Bar and poker machine revenue from these clubs provided a new source of cash to fund and develop the game.
This side featured names such as Terry Pannowitz, Allan Buman, and Dave Brown (captain).
In 1968, the Central Newcastle club relocated from the inner-city to Charlestown and became Central-Charlestown, popularly known as 'The Butcher Boys'.
In 1978, foundation club Northern Suburbs became North Newcastle after it enlarged its district to include Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay.
The drift of players boosted the profile of the local league, which was no more evident than when Steve Linnane led Kurri to a trifecta of premierships in 1993, 1994 and 1995.
First Grade would feature Lakes United, Western Suburbs, Cessnock, Maitland, Central and Souths.
[3] The 2021 season featured the regular clubs, as well as both Wyong and The Entrance, forming a 10 team, 18 round competition.
On 11 September 2022, Maitland Pickers claimed their 13th premiership with a 40–4 victory over Macquarie Scorpions at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.