What jerseys have got across the line? We’ve ranked the best NRL jerseys from every club throughout their history. See if you agree with our picks!
Haven’t we seen some jerseys through the years in rugby league.
From the retro, collared look that is held so fondly in the hearts of fans, to the modern day sleek design that we have become accustomed to.
However, many that have supported rugby league in Australia for decades would have rolled out this line once or twice – “they don’t make them how they used to” – and they’re spot on.
The modern jersey has become a cash grab; sponsor filled, less prominent club logos and not unique. Recently, we ranked the best 10 State of Origin jerseys of all-time and it was hard to look past the retro designs.
So following on from that, the team here at Only Sports has put together the best NRL jerseys of all time, one from each team. But we’ll leave it up to you to vote for which jersey is the best — you can leave a comment at the bottom.
The best NRL jerseys from every club
Brisbane Broncos
Starting us off in our best NRL jerseys list is this iconic Broncos one from the early 1990s, which shows exactly how a sponsor can work their logo into a design without corrupting it.
Canberra Raiders
It’s a multitude of things that makes his Canberra Raiders jersey an all time classic. Maybe it’s the team that played in them, maybe it’s the retro logo, or possibly the big bold ‘Canberra Milk’ logo.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Some might point back to the 80s Bulldogs design as the greatest all time, but this 2004 classic is untouchable as far as we see it, with it’s history and cross of both retro and new school design.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Unlike a lot of other NRL clubs, the Sharks have changed their look significantly over time, but they nailed it here with this teal design from the late 1990s.
Dolphins
Looking slightly more like a soccer jersey than one of the best NRL jerseys, this Redcliffe Dolphins design is a classic, with the old school QRL logo and striped sleeves that have been incorporated into the Dolphins jersey in their inaugural season.
Gold Coast Titans
Oh how the Titans have faded in their jersey game! Their inaugural jersey is the club’s best NRL jersey with the fading dark blue to light, with a white outline tracing the entire kit.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Arguably the best NRL jersey design of all time, Manly’s 1990s kit was insane with the retro round logo and the iconic ‘Pepsi’ logo across the chest matching the blue collar.
Melbourne Storm
Although the ‘Medibank’ logo is a bit too prominent, this late 2000s Storm design is elite. The retro logo, great colour scheme of the purple and black and of course the team that played in them makes it a classic.
Newcastle Knights
You know you’ve created a great jersey with your sponsor when it is known for decades after by the brand’s name. The ‘Henny Penny’ jersey is one of the most famous design in the history of rugby league.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors have had some great jerseys in their time and are known for replicating their history, as they have done with this all time classic in 2023. You would never think that green, red and navy would go together, but the Warriors have pulled it off here.
North Queensland Cowboys
When it comes to the Cowboys, picking just one jersey for our best NRL jerseys list is difficult. But this retro design, that has been modified the last couple of seasons for North Queensland, has gotten across the line.
Parramatta Eels
Parramatta may have had some more interesting designs in their time but the ‘Hardie’ jersey in an all time great that had to feature on our best NRL jerseys list.
Penrith Panthers
This Panthers 1991 jersey is that great of a design that the Penrith side of the early 2020s jersey is based off it. The stripes are a pinnacle feature of 90s jerseys and is definitely a top contender for best NRL jersey of all time.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
When you’re a proud foundation club such as the South Sydney Rabbitohs, why would you veer away from what works. The ‘Smith’s Crisps’ may be quite large, but it’s not your normal box sponsor and allowed the green and red stripes to break through.
St. George-Illawarra Dragons
Similarly to the Rabbitohs, the Dragons have always maintained their traditional look with the ‘red V’, but this ‘Penfolds’ is the most iconic of the variations.
Sydney Roosters
Worn by Arthur Beetson, the Roosters’ ‘City Ford’ kit is pure. And as a founding club back 1908, they haven’t changed much since. The best thing about his jersey is by far the retro style rooster logo.
Wests Tigers
When you see this jersey, you think of Benji Marshall’s flick pass in the Grand Final. Only in rotation for one year, the most successful season in club history, maybe it’s time to bring this one back?
Best NRL jerseys of some teams that are no longer in the comp
Gold Coast Chargers
Illawarra Steelers
Newtown Jets
North Sydney Bears
