The retro collection isn't just about jerseys; it's a celebration of the heritage and tradition that define the NRL. Each carefully crafted piece is a visual tribute to the golden eras, capturing the essence of the game's history and the permanent marks left by legendary players and iconic teams.
The Green Machine kick off our journey, with jerseys from the 1989 and 1994 premiership winning seasons. The 1989 retro jersey dons an early yellow rendition of Victor the Viking on the chest, with a solid green main block design. Coached by the great Tim Sheens, the now infamous side of Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart, Glen Lazarus, and Kevy Walters wore the jersey with pride as they went on a nine-game winning streak to bring home Canberra’s first premiership. After beating Balmain 19-14 in the grand final, the Raiders ushered in their greatest ever era in this jersey and closed it out in their 1994 white jumper, donning the Canberra Milk logo across the front and Video Ezy on the sleeves- two brands that remain fondly in the memories of native Canberrans! Club legends Meninga, Daley and Stuart welcomed a young forward by the name of Jason Croker in the ’94 season- little did they know then that Jason would go on to play 318 games for the Green Machine and become the club’s longest serving player. This season, Canberra will celebrate the 30th and 35th anniversaries of those two premierships, and what better way to do it, than by pulling on a retro jumper from the glory days!
Next, we step into the rich history of the Sydney Roosters with their 1993 Eastern Suburbs retro jersey and the 1996 ARL Sydney City Roosters jumper. Back in 1993, Rod Silva and Nigel Gaffey tied for the Eastern Suburbs leading try scorer (9), in a year that helped set the foundation for the future of the club. Come 1996, amidst the infamous Super League War, the boys from Bondi had signed future club legend Brad Fittler and goal kicking centre Ivan Cleary from the dark side. With a formidable team, the Roosters would post a 10-game winning streak to kick start the 1996 season, a record that still stands as the best in club history! Embrace the legacy of this great club with the new retro jerseys featuring the iconic red, white and blue that have made the tricolours so iconic. These jerseys are a nod to the triumphant moments and star players who donned the Roosters colours with pride. Wear yours proudly and connect with the heritage of a champion side like the Chooks!
Before the days of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farrah, the Wests Tigers weren’t just a club... They were two! Back in 2000 the Balmain Tigers merged with the Wests Magpies to form the team we know today. With retro jerseys from the Magpies 1978 season and Balmain’s 1989 season newly available, there are fond memories woven into the fabric of these two jumpers. The ’78 season saw the legendary Tommy Raudonikis lead the Magpies all the way to the preliminary final, claiming the minor premiership in the process. In their notorious black and white, Western Suburbs truly were a side to be reckoned with. Available in both the home (black and white), and away (white and black) patterns, this jumper is a must have for Wests faithful. However, the year that was 1989, saw Steve ‘Blocka’ Roach and Ben Elias take Balmain one game better, all the way to the grand final (ultimately going down to the Raiders). The orange and black of this once mighty club is where the modern-day Tigers get their design inspiration from today.
The retro jerseys for the historic South Sydney Rabbitohs, from 1982 and 1989 respectively, transport you back to an era that first saw the game begin its transition from low scoring hard hitting matches, to a more expansive and faster flowing affair. The inaugural Charity Shield match between Souths and St George took place in 1982, held at Redfern Oval, a now infamous contest that helped pave the way for the pre-season battle that is still the unofficial start to every rugby league season! Come 1989, Souths were coached by the great George Piggins and rugby league legend Mario Fennech was forming his legacy. In a powerhouse year where Souths took home the minor premiership, clear of Penrith by two games, this too was a year to remember! The classic red-and-green striped designs pay homage to the Bunnies rich history, echoing the cheers from fans of days gone by.
In 1995, before they had captured the heart of a nation and before “Up the Wahs” was a viral sensation, the Warriors donned blue, red and green and hailed from the city of Auckland. In their inaugural season, the Warriors were led by Dean Bell, John Kirwan and Stacey Jones and two recruits by the names of Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander and Stephen Kearney joined the new addition to the ARL, rounding out an impressive debut squad. Having since gone through many colour changes, the original retro jersey remains a fan favourite. Branded with the iconic DB Bitter as the major sponsor, this throwback jersey helps every passionate New Zealand fan simultaneously connect with the nostalgia and embrace the future of their adored club.
The retro jerseys aren't just about reliving the past; they are a bridge between the cherished memories and the anticipation of the upcoming NRL season. Reminisce in the classic designs while embracing the excitement of the present and the future of the NRL. As you gear up for the 2024 season, make a statement that transcends time with a retro jersey from Jerseys Megastore in Canberra. These jerseys are not just jumpers; they are a testament to the enduring passion for your club and a celebration of the timeless moments that make this sport great!
