South Sydney’s Glorious Seconds

South Sydney’s Glorious Seconds – Author’s Note

The Author wants to begin this history with a short note. Most sports, including Rugby League, have a top grade and lower grades. The top grade for Souths is usually called the First Grade. However, the next grade down has been known by different names such as Second Grade, Reserve Grade, First Division and most recently N.S.W. Cup, among others. For the sake of this narrative, I will refer to all of these as Seconds.

1983

In 1983, South Sydney played Easts in the last round. Although we won, we did not make the semi-final in First Grade. However, the pain of having to watch another Grand Final without South Sydney was tempered by the joy of watching Souths win the Seconds premiership against Manly. It has been 40 long years since then. This year, the pain of Souths missing the semifinal for the first time since 2017, is tempered by the joy of seeing the Seconds in the Grand Final. If we win, it will be premiership 21. That is a lot of premierships. What is the story behind them?

The Early Days Till 1923

In the early days Souths always had a 1st Grade and Second Grade. Up to 1923 Souths won 3 Seconds premierships – 1913, 1914 and 1917. At the end of the season the Seconds played a knockout competition known as the League Cup. In 1917 Souths won both competitions without losing a game.

The Glory Years

South Sydney then entered, what can only be described as, the Glory Years. In the next 12 years between 1923 to 1934, Souths won no fewer than 9 premierships! At one stage they won 5 in a row! Naturally they crossed over with the Firsts who won 7 premierships in the same period.

The Seconds developed their own ‘Aura of Invincibility’ during this period. They had the same reputation as the Firsts in providing the public with thrilling football.

South Sydney supporters would get to the ground early to make sure they watched the Firsts AND Seconds. Very rarely would they be disappointed. Souths Seconds were so strong they would have beaten many other First Grade teams on their own, most likely.

Even when they had to promote players to Firsts the Seconds would go with their merry way. In 1929 the Seconds lost 5 players to the Firsts when the Kangaroos left. They still won the premiership!

As the 30s started Souths began to slip a little from the lofty heights, they had experienced in the 20s. They were premiers in 1931 and 1932 as were the Firsts. However, by 1934 the glory days were over for First Grade. Seconds, however, kept up the tradition for one more year, at least.

1935 to 1952 Lean Years

And just like that the glory days were over. From 1935 till 1951 Souths Seconds won just 2 premierships in 1943 and 1945. An incredible side note to the 1945 win was the fact that the First Grade finished last that year!

Back To Premiership Glory 1952-1956

The First grade returned to premiership glory in 1950. It took a couple of years for the Seconds to join them but eventually they did, in 1952. In 1953 South Sydney nearly won every single competition on offer by the Rugby League – just missing out on the Thirds in the Grand Final.

In 1954 South Sydney supporters had no excuse not to get to the ground early on Grand Final day. All three grades were participating. Even though Souths only won the Firsts it was still a great achievement.

And then, again, just like that, it was all over. St. George took over. In 1956 Souths got knocked out in the final by Balmain. Seconds, however, kept the flag flying with a wonderful display.

The late 60s – Back To Glory

In 1965 Souths First Grade played in the Grand Final. At the start of 1966 we won the preseason and things were looking up for the season. Unfortunately, it did not work out and Souths Firsts missed the semis. The seconds, however, kept up the glory beating Balmain 10-3 in the Grand Final.

In 1968 South Sydney were unbackable favorites to win the premiership. They disposed of Manly in the Grand Final. In the second row was a player who would prove to be quite a handy player. You might have heard of him. Bobby McCarthy.

The BIG Drought

From 1968 till today, a total of 55 years, South Sydney has only been in one Seconds Grand Final. This was in 1983. It has been 40 years since that time. I’m sure you will agree that it is time for #21.

Honor Them All

Many players who played in the Seconds, went onto have great careers in First Grade. Many however, did not. These players, whatever grade they played for, should be honored for their service to South Sydney.

One person in particular should be honored here. That man’s name is Percy Horne. Percy was Secretary of the Seconds for 47 years. The picture below is a still from the video THE HISTORY OF SOUTHS from 1987. Why Percy is laughing is because at that moment he was reminiscing about losing his teeth down the toilet, on a train, during a trip away with the team! But that’s another story to be told.

South Sydney’s Glorious Seconds.

By Mark Emery for Bunnies TV.