One of the founding clubs of the NSWRL (New South Wales Rugby League), the Balmain Tigers are and have been one of the most successful clubs in the history of the competition. With mulitiple premierships and grand final victories, the emblem of the Tiger (Balmain's logo) is one that is instantly recognised by all Australian Rugby League followers.

In 2000, as a result of pressure from the NRL, Balmain merged with Western Suburbs to make the Wests Tigers.