In 1997, rugby league in Australia was turned on its head.

The 20-team ARL was sliced in two, reduced to 12 clubs as a breakaway “Super League” was formed.

The new league included eight defectors and two new sides, the Adelaide Rams and Hunter Mariners.

Long-time rugby league journalist and author of Two Tribes Steve Mascord lifts the lid on the forces at play that triggered this incredible divide and the bitterness that still lingers even today.

Get the full show notes and list of stories here: https://www.thebigdeal.au/p/the-big-deal-weekly-gather-round.

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The Big Deal reveals the dollars, details and drama behind the business of sport, in Australia and around the world. 

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The team

Warren Tredrea is an AFL hall of famer, premiership captain, 4 x All-Australian and media commentator. Show creator Andrew Montesi is an injury prone marketer and former TV sports reporter, while producer Dion Hayman is a sun sensitive sports media veteran of 30+ years.

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