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The highest kick in Rugby League history, an inspiring television campaign and a bold new song provided a spectacular kick-off to the 2009 Telstra Premiership at The Domain in Sydney last night.

Sea Eagles brothers Brett and Glenn Stewart reflected on the backyard games that ignited their careers and which continue to inspire record numbers of children to play Rugby League as they officially launched the 2009 Telstra Premiership.

Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston then showcased the heights the game reaches each season with a spiralling kick from the Sydney Tower Skywalk – 260 metres above the Harbour city – that will forever be remembered as the highest kick in Rugby League history.

NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, joined NRL stars Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer, Robbie Farah, Alan Tongue, Trent Barrett, Roy Asotasi, Nathan Cayless and Manu Vatuvei, plus NRL coaches, Chief Executives, NRL Club Members and officials to launch a season that will feature a booming NRL Club Membership program, two on-field referees, a new online club website network, expansion of the game’s One Community activities, Premiership matches in new areas and new stadium facilities.

Rugby League fans also have a new song for 2009 when local star Wes Carr last night performed a specially-recorded version of his single ‘Feels Like Woah’ that is the new anthem for the game. 

The 2009 Telstra Premiership campaign, created by award-winning advertising agency MJW, features the latest animation technology as children enjoying a kick in the backyard transform into today’s NRL stars.

“It’s an ad that means a lot to us because that is how we first started playing the game ourselves,” said Sea Eagles star Glenn Stewart.

“We used to run around in the backyard dreaming of being Andrew Ettingshausen and Glenn Lazarus and now we find ourselves living that dream.

“We have won a Premiership together, now the World Club Challenge, Brett has played Origin and we have both played for Australia. That’s what you dream about as a kid.”

NRL Director, Marketing and Commercial, Mr Paul Kind, said: “This is an exciting campaign that celebrates the game at grass-roots but also showcases the excitement of attending Telstra Premiership matches to support your team.

“The kids in our campaign love catching up for a game in the park and they aspire to be like their heroes, playing for their favourite team in the Telstra Premiership.” 

There were plenty of kids with those same dreams on hand at the launch as a special seven-a-side competition showcased the ARL’s new national Under 16 and Under 18 competitions. 

Among those enjoying the action were 100 NRL Club Members from across NSW, Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand, who attended the season launch for the first time in a reflection of Rugby League’s commitment to its Club Membership program.  

“Growing NRL Club Membership is vitally important to the long-term viability of our clubs and tonight we have shown how committed the NRL is to helping support Membership by inviting 100 Members to join the launch celebrations.” Mr Kind said.  

The Telstra Premiership kicks off on Friday, March 13 with Melbourne Storm hosting St George Illawarra Dragons at Olympic Park and the Broncos tackling the Cowboys in a Queensland blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

Newly crowned World Club Champions Manly kick off their Premiership defence against the new-look Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, March 14, while the Sharks and Panthers clash at Toyota Stadium and the Warriors host the Eels in Auckland.

On Sunday, March 15, foundation clubs the Roosters and Rabbitohs reignite their rivalry at the SFS and regional powerhouses the Titans and Knights clash on the Gold Coast ahead of the Monday night clash between Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown.

The action continues throughout 26 rounds of the Telstra Premiership with highlights including the Dragons-Sharks derby at WIN Jubilee Oval in Round 3, Wayne Bennett’s return to Brisbane in Round 4,  the Grand Final re-match between Manly and Melbourne at Brookvale Oval in Round 8 and the Round 10 Heritage matches.