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NRL: MADE BY THE CULTURE

In anticipation of the NRL season, I reflect on the National Rugby League (NRL).

Its influence and place alongside the street culture in Western Sydney in the early 00s and 10s. An era defined by style, pride and a desire to emulate the success that surrounded you.

Growing up in Western Sydney, if there was one thing intertwined both out on the streets and within Rugby League, it was ensuring that you carried yourself with style and pride. During the early 00s up until the 10s, Rugby League was hallmarked by its ruthless, calculated aggression, and its yet equally skilful superstars. 

Rugby League helped transform playgrounds into schoolyard casinos (who can forget footy cards lol), and had lads thinking they were a young Sonny Bill Williams on the oval. Emulating success, however, was not something only restricted to the footy field for many kids in Western Sydney. 

The emergence of Sydney's street culture and fashion preceding and during this period introduced a new generation of youths to a localised vernacular, fashion and sense of identity. As some were seeking to emulate Hayne, Marshall and Barba on the field, off the field, they were similarly looking up to older boys, influenced by their way of speech and style. Just as it was Power bands, Nike Mercurials and Skins on the field, off the field it was TNs, G-Star, Nautica and the freshest Nike gear. Everyone wanted to look and stay fresh. For those fraught by indignation, Rugby League was an opportunity to show your heart, pride and, importantly, an opportunity to emulate success.

In an era where social media did not encompass everyday life, success was not as visible or could be viewed as intimately as it is now. Many kids looked local in terms of role models and those whom they called their heroes. As it is in many working-class areas around the world, emulating success may be limited to those sport stars, TV or those who roll around cashed up with unknown sources of income. Like, I don't think there was a more photographed player from back in the day than Frank Pritchard. I think everyone I had on Facebook took a photo with him lol.

As it was on and off the field, for many, it was about carrying oneself through adversity, looking out for your brother and being unwavering no matter the circumstance. Whether it be at a rep footy level or Div 3, the influence and the bravado were never absent. It was about being the 'man'. Whether life had you feeling up or down, making sure you were still that guy went a long way. 

Certainly, it wasn't ever without its hurdles. Some of the most promising players I knew of growing up would never step foot in first grade due to finding themselves in all forms of mischief. However, for those local lads who did make it, it was a source of pride, whether it be 10 games or 200. 

For many to see someone achieve something positive from their community consolidated hope for many who grew up in the absence of role models and success. 

Undoubtedly, Rugby League has changed from all that time ago, with more money flowing through the sport than ever before. The NRL's season launch in Las Vegas and the steady expansion of the competition to Papua New Guinea and Perth in the near future shows the unprecedented lengths the NRL is going to grow the game.

It is well spoken about in Rugby League circles that the level of attention and professionalism required now contrasts the loose and larrikin carry-on of players of years back. If there is one thing I'd love to see in the NRL, it is for players to continue to embrace themselves on and off the field. Understandably, against the backdrop of the media which has historically despised the outlier in footy, embracing the identity of the community or culture you grew up in is formative in inspiring a new generation of players. 

In a time in which Rugby League is seeking to expand, retaining the working-class identity is pivotal in introducing new communities to the game in the face of unprecedented levels of investment into the sport.

So shoutout to the lads in the NRL who never forgot where they came from, staying fresh in that ever-familiar style and putting in that work week in and week out.

That's all and stay fresh.



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