The solitary footballer stands with hands on hips and a far away look in his steely eyes. His foot rests firmly on the ball and he stands, not on a grassy pitch on a winter’s afternoon, but on the silvery lid of the Howell Cup, amid Southern Cross University’s League of Legends Centenary Exhibition.

Until recently the Howell Cup lay forgotten in the cellar of one of Lismore’s hotels. Identified as one of region’s most significant sporting relics, the Cup took pride of place in the recent League of Legends Centenary Exhibition held in SCU’s Lismore campus Library.

Local representative Indigenous player, Chris Binge snr. speaks at the Exhibition opening about his experiences as a rugby league player. In the foreground is the Howell Cup and behind is the Anthony Shield.

A joint initiative between the National Museum of Australia, Richmond River Historical Society and Southern Cross University, the League of Legends Centenary Exhibition drew together a collection of historic league artefacts, photos and memorabilia from across the region. The Exhibition that opened on the 29th May 2008, told the story of local rugby league as it was played in and around Lismore since 1914. It tapped into, not just the stories of those outstanding individuals who have gone on to play or officiate at the state or national levels, but looked at the game as a social activity for all ages and abilities.

Widjabal Elder Irene Harrington gives a welcome to country to guests before retired NRL international Kevin Junee officially opens the Exhibition.

Not only did the exhibition display the physical memorabilia associated with the game, it bought together many local individuals who have, throughout the years, distinguished themselves as league players and officials and, who are now in effect, the historians of the game.

The League of Legends Centenary Exhibition incorporated a travelling display from the National Museum of Australia. This was complimented by an extensive local and regional display of memorabilia loaned to SCU by members of the community.

Local legends, retired players and guest speakers, Brian Battese and Chris Binge snr.

The Exhibition was managed by a steering committee drawn from across the University that included academics, students and general staff. In addition to the University’s input, the Executive of the Richmond River Historical Society generously provided access to artefacts, funding and advice

League of Legends Exhibition Steering Committee, L to R: Back row - Justin St Vincent Welch (ORE), Craig Littler (Library), John McPherson (STHM). Front row - Libby Pownall (Library), Kevin Junee, Liina Flynn (FLDS), Dr Adele Wessell (TLC), Bernie Childs (RRHS) - Missing are students Bob Moore and Heidi Russell

The display of local memorabilia included team jumpers from local players who have progressed through the grades to play for Sydney clubs, state or national sides, medals and trophies  offered a window to the past, looking back on rugby league’s history as it evolved both nationally and here in the Richmond River region through photos, trophies, team jumpers and more. The launch will also bring together a number of local and national league legends, whose stories and reflections will add to the impressive displays.

The original concept for an exhibition of this sort came from Dr Adele Wessell who was keen to extend the Historical Society’s Goories Playing Sport Exhibit. Adele negotiated with the National Museum to bring a travelling exhibit to Lismore and Craig Littler agreed to house the displays in the Library.

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