South Sydney 1925 Pride of the League
In 1927 South Sydney had won its third premiership in a row. Claude Corbett, one of the greatest rugby league scribes of all time, tagged the team as the ‘pride of the league’. In those three years from 1925 to the final of 1927 they played 51 games, winning 47, losing only 4. Souths scored 1039 points and had only conceded 439.

This Glorious Run
This glorious run was to then continue for a few more seasons. It began in what is considered the most wonderful season for South Sydney – 1925. One hundred years ago. What is the story of this specifically wonderous time in the history of the club?

Souths 1908 -1924
Rugby league in Australia accordingly began in 1908. By 1924, 16 seasons had been completed. This period is not usually associated with Souths glory times. Their record before 1925, however, was excellent. This was because during those 16 seasons, the club won 4 premierships, were runners-up 6 times and had won the City Cup 3 times. Laurels were won by the lower grades as well. Souths finished in the top half of the competition every season bar one.

South Sydney had been building up to something special in the run up to season 1925. In 1923 they finished runners-up to Easts. It was a close final, Easts winning 15-12.

1924 The Big Year Before
The season prior to 1925 was a big year. 1924 was indeed a season of success for Souths. They finished equal top with Balmain. In a mid-week final Souths were just beaten. Our boys made amends by winning the City Cup against University. A top-level season must just be around the corner!

Season 1925 Begins
Season 1925 began with great fanfare. From the very first game it was apparent that South Sydney would be one of the leading teams.

Souths would either win a game easily or snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in most games of the season. This was certainly something of a trademark of Souths in the 20s.

North Sydney, for a time however, kept pace with Souths. They too fell away. Western Suburbs ended up being runners-up.

The Problem
A problem started to appear. The public’s interest began to wane. This was caused by South Sydney. You see the problem was simple. They were undeniably too good! It was apparent that Souths were going to win the premiership. The only interest left was could Souths win the premiership undefeated. From 1926 semifinals were played each season.

Last Round v Easts
And so, it came to the last game of the regular season. This was against Eastern Suburbs. Now Souths were on top, and Easts were near the bottom. Real Souths supporters know this means nothing. Easts can be at the top and Souths at the bottom and Souths can give them a belting. Victory was not assured.

Most Exciting Game Ever
And that is how it turned out. It was one of the most exciting games ever in the history of rugby league. Overnight, it had rained, and the centre of the field was a lake. The weather kept the crowd down, but Mr. Corbett said the game should have had 50000 people there.

Late in the game Easts lead by 5-3. Souths were down to 12 men as they had a player sent off. Desperate measures were called for. Yet again Souths accordingly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Undefeated Premiers
Souths had won the premiership undefeated, winning every game. No other club has subsequently achieved this honor. Other clubs have never been beaten in a season. However, all of these have had at least one draw in a game.

The City Cup
Finally, attention turned to the City Cup. Suffice to say Souths then won that too in an exciting final against Glebe. So finished South Sydney’s best ever season. Undefeated premiers, winners of the City Cup. Premiers in all three grades which this club has never done in any other season.

The Challenge From Toowoomba
Toowoomba, in 1925, was undoubtedly a rugby league powerhouse. As a result, it supplied a number of players to the Queensland and Australian teams at a time when Queensland had a powerful team. Significantly, they had the nickname of the ‘Galloping Clydesdales’.

Stories reached this part of the world of a wonder team from down South.

A challenge then went out. Acceptance was received by the South Sydney club. Consequently, on the 15th of August 1925, South Sydney, in front of 8000 people, trotted out onto the field for their last match of the season.

Toowoomba subsequently won 12-5. The reports of the day, however, stated that it was brilliant game.

South Sydney was not too disappointed by the loss. The hospitality of the Queenslanders was unquestionably second to none. Full advantage was taken to ensure everybody also had a great time.

It was also a lovely way to finish an outstanding season.
Claude Corbett
This story began with Claude Corbett, and it is a good place to finish as well. It is no wonder that in his report on the final two years later, he called South Sydney the ‘Pride of the League’. Certainly they were then and will hopefully will be again this year.

South Sydney 1925 Pride of the League.
By Mark Emery for Bunnies TV.
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