Souths Great Forwards – Larrikan Legends – Alf & Frank O’Connor
The one thing common to every great South Sydney team (and there have been many of them!) is that they have big, overall powerful forwards. Many times these forwards would generally take control and overpower the opposing six. In the magnificent run of the 1920s and early 1930s, two brothers were especially part of this success. Their names were Alf and Frank O’Connor.
‘Itchy’ – The Larrikan
Alf started off with the nickname ‘Peachy’. He subsequently took over his older brother Bill’s nickname ‘Itchy’. And that is how he was known to all his football fans. Alf was somewhat of a larrikan in his younger days if stories about him are true. One story tells of how he and his mates used to see all the games. Using money earned doing odd jobs the gang would buy one season ticket. One would go in and chuck the season pass over the fence. Before you know it all were enjoying the sights.
A similar idea was used to get in to see the fights at the Stadium. A ladder would be leaned up against the fence outside the ground. Any official that spotted the boys would have beer bottles thrown at them!
The Reluctant Rabbito
Like a lot of young boys, ‘Itchy’ began his career in the juniors. Like a few great players I have written about, Alf was happy in the juniors and was reluctant to become a graded Rabbito. When Alf was requested to play in a grade match he had the idea of playing ‘dead’. Therefore, he would then be dropped back to the juniors where he really wanted to be.
All was going to plan. However, in one scrum a fist came up and hit Alf square in the face. An enraged ‘Itchy’ tore the opposition apart. A first grade career beckoned. The fact that the wack came from a Souths player is a mere detail of the story.
A Wonderful Career
Alf went onto have a wonderful career with Souths, playing 84 first grade games. He had the distinction of never being dropped. However he did incur the displeasure of the referee on some occasions and got sent off. Alf was a good Catholic. Opposition players learned to make references to His Holiness the Pope in scrums that was not very complimentary. He continued on playing until 1929. Unfortunately he never got the honour of participating in a Kangaroo tour.
1929 Enter Frank & The Tour To NZ
Season 1929 was a watershed. Alf played his last season and introduced his brother Frank to the First Grade. The two brothers played together in a number of games, especially when five players left for England. Souths won the premiership that year with both brothers. The same happened when the O’Connor brothers toured NZ with the South Sydney team. It was a memorable tour. Alf played front row and sometimes did not finish a game. Once he was sent off even though Frank Burge was responsible for landing the blow!
Frank The Rep Player
Frank played for Souths on and off until 1937 racking up a total of 72 games. He was a member of three premiership winning teams – 1929, 1931 and 1932. His representative career started off with a bang, winning a Test Match in Brisbane. Unlike his brother, Frank got to go on a Kangaroo tour to England in 1933/4. He played two Tests.
Frank In Cartoons
In publications of days gone by there was often a number of cartoons for illustration. The Rugby League News was no different. Cyril Samuels was a noted cartoonist around the time the brothers were playing. Frank would often feature, usually showing off his huge size as shown in the two examples below.
After Football
After finishing their careers both brothers made contributions to Rugby League. Alf was an administrator for many years, including the honour of being a N.S.W. and Australian selector. Frank coached Eastern Suburbs in the 1950s.
Alf & Frank
Alf O’Connor died in 1970 and Frank in 1964. Both must be remembered as wonderful forwards for South Sydney at a time when Souths dominated the competition. They both without doubt deserve a place in the ‘Remembering a Rabbito’ Honour Roll.
POC
In conclusion we paid a visit to Paul O’Connors house in Sydney. Paul also known as POC is the grandson of Alf O’Connor.
When Paul’s dad (Alfs son) passed away he took possession of a collection that is like a museum. From framed jerseys, rare photos to priceless signed programs, it’s an unquestionably terrific rugby league memorabilia assortment.
The Medals
These league medals are so rare the family has them stored in a CBD vault for safe keeping. Paul did however, allow us to share photos of Alfs priceless premiership medals for this article.
Larrikan Legends – Alf & Frank O’Connor.
By Mark Emery for Bunnies TV.
With thanks to the great POC for his assistance.