1896 NSW Rugby Union season
The 1896 New South Wales Rugby Football Union season was the 23rd season of the Sydney Rugby Premiership. Six clubs competed from May till August 1896. The season culminated in the premiership, which was won by Randwick. Randwick were crowned premiers by virtue of finishing the season on top of the table. Teams Senior grade Six clubs signed up with the New South Wales Rugby Football Union to play the Senior Premiership. Each of the teams had participated in the premiership previously. At the end of the previous season, both the Balmain Football Club and Paddington Electorate Football Club had withdrawn from the premiership. At the beginning of the new season, a Paddington Football Club was formed which could be considered a new club. However, the Union did not agree and would classify the club as a continuation of the previous one. This would have ramifications for Paddington later in the season. Season summary The 1896 NSWRFU Sydney Rugby Premiers, Randwick, experienced a great year. Until their defeat at the hands of Wentworth in the semifinal for the Agricultural Society Trophy, Randwick were undefeated and had positioned themselves in an unassailable position on the premiership ladder. The club had already won the Association Ground Cup in a closely fought match with old rivals Wallaroo. In 19 games played throughout the entire season (including non-premiership matches), Randwick won 16, drew 1 and lost 2, scoring 249 points with 55 against. A remarkable record. Much of the success of the Wentworth Football Club can be attributed to their captain Billy Warbrick. At the conclusion of the season the team were second to only Randwick in performance and had successfully won the Agricultural Society Trophy. As organiser, coach and captain, Warbrick's experience and knowledge was vital. Excluding the captain, nobody on the Wentworth team had big reputations or had previously been selected for representative positions. Many of the team were Juniors last season and so were pliable in their captains hands. During the season, a proposal was put forward at a NSWRFU meeting advocating local football rather than the club football in existence. The belief was that football was losing its popularity and that the quality of play was deteriorating. Advocates indicated how cricket had successfully transitioned to local-based competition. The proposal was put to a vote and lost. However, the idea of local football had now been given birth. In analysing the current season, some of the most reliable and energetic players amongst the Seniors in 1896 were playing in the Junior ranks last season. This was seen as proof that the Senior clubs should be searching amongst the Junior teams for their players. It was even stated that the Sydney Rugby community had enough capable players to sustain 10 good Senior teams. Ladder Ladder progression Numbers highlighted in blue indicates the team finished first on the ladder in that round. Numbers highlighted in red indicates the team finished in last place on the ladder in that round Ladder include Finals matches.