Curator Don Hammond (left) with Trevor Maxwell inside the new museum in Penrose. Photo / Brett Phibbs
League was the first professional sport in this country but has lagged behind when it comes to conserving its history, so it is good to see the game mark its centenary by opening a museum.
Former Kiwis including some "Legends of League", current players and administrators will gather
at the Penrose HQ of the New Zealand Rugby League today and pass through a turnstile removed from Carlaw Park to gain entrance to the museum.
Timing was everything in retrieval of the turnstile, the Fire Service turning up at just the right moment as demolition of the old Auckland home ground progressed, to practise their rescue techniques by cutting out the steel entrance.
The idea of a museum to display the memorabilia collected by ex-Kiwis and others associated with the game developed four years ago and was promoted by former Kiwi Jack Fagan and the Ex-Kiwis Association president Don Hammond.
Among the items since repaired, restored and prepared for display are 12 representative caps presented to a variety of players between 1911 and 1941 and donated by them or their families, numerous autographed and framed test jerseys, trophies, match programmes and newspaper items.
The first display, marking the 1907-08 All Golds tour, includes an original copy of tour organiser Albert Baskiville's book Modern Rugby Football, which is a guide for players and spectators regarding the then-new "Northern Union" game from the north of England.
Among the more unusual items is the Golden Bloom banner, an embroidered flag that used to go to the winner of primary schools competition between Auckland and the Waikato.
MP Mark Gosche, a former Mt Wellington player, will open the museum.
