Newtown Rugby League Football Club was formed on January 8, 1908, at an overflow public meeting in the Newtown Town Hall. The meeting had been convened by the prominent Sydney sportsman James J. Giltinan (after whom the NSW Rugby League Premiership shield is named), Labor MP Henry Hoyle, and Harry Hammill (who was to be the fledgling club's first captain).From the very beginning, Newtown became noted for its gritty, never-say-die spirit, and the ability to make the best of limited financial resources. Located in a rock-solid working class district, Newtown was seen as the definitive battlers' team, and one associated with the best fighting qualities inherent in the Australian character.A concerted recruitment campaign in the late 1970s saw the Jets (their nick-name from 1973 onwards) improve their playing fortunes. The thrilling 1981 season saw an inspired charge into the Grand Final, sadly ending in a narrow defeat by Parramatta.Ongoing financial difficulties led Newtown to pursue new pastures at Campbelltown in south-western Sydney, only for this move to be thwarted at the eleventh hour. The Jets were suspended from the NSW Rugby League Premiership in late 1983, but continued in junior representative fixtures and junior club competitions from 1984 to 1990 inclusive.In 2000 Newtown sought and was granted admission to the NSWRL First Division competition, whereby the Jets acted as the feeder team to the NRL's Auckland Warriors.From 2001 to 2004 the Newtown Jets competed in the First Division competition (renamed the VB Premier League in 2003) as a stand-alone entity, playing against NRL reserve grade squads with 10-12 times Newtown’s limited budget. These were tough seasons but after running last in 2001 the Jets rose up the premiership ladder in each subsequent year, narrowly missing the finals in 2003 and 2004. The Jets had a sensational season in 2006 making the grand final against arch rivals Parramatta, the game went into extra tme with the Eels just getting the upper hand.
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