The Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League became the Territory's first professional sports team when they were established in 1982.
For decades before that rugby league clubs in the area had been competing and providing footballers for representative sides that played against domestic and foreign teams.
The competition is run under the auspices of the Country Rugby League and players are eligible for selection in the Monaro Division of the CRL Divisional Championships.
It is played before the Rugby League State of Origin series and is often referred to as a selection trial for the New South Wales Blues team.
An Australian Capital Territories representative side took part in the early Affiliated States Championship.