Can any one tell me when was the first full-time paid Rugby League players in Australia?

Question

Can any one tell me when was the first full-time paid Rugby League players in Australia?

Answer 1

NSWRFL was formed on 8 August 1907. They started recruiting full time players as professionals. The first season of the NSWRFL competition was played in 1908, and has continued to be played every year since (despite changes in administration and name), eventually going national and becoming NRL.

Answer 2

The answer above is incorrect, sure they were paid, Dally Messenger and Co, but only as a "compensatory basis" incase of injury and to pay for training and match time etc... Much like Country players who play for pay today. Even in the 80's players still held down full time jobs, than trained after work. Penrith were actually the first full time Club, with all their players holding down "paid" work at the Leagues Club, as Celler men, bar and door staff etc... Freddy Fitler was actually set up with a lawn mowing run by the Club, likewise Jamie Ainscough at West had a carpet cleaning business, helped by the Club. Cheers!