South Sydney v Eastern Suburbs 12th September 1931
While watching the semi-final last year between Souths and the Roosters (again), a commentator remarked about what a great game it was. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if these two teams got to play off in a Grand Final?”, he mused.
It got me thinking… has this ever happened?
In Days Gone By
Before we begin, we need to reflect on how the premiership was decided in days gone by.
Since 1954, the premiership has been decided by a compulsory Grand Final. Between 1926 and 1953 there was an unusual method to determine the premiers.
Four teams played off in the semi- finals, viz., 1* vs 3* and 2* vs 4*. The winners of the semi- finals played in a final. If the Minor Premiers won the final then they were premiers. However, if the MP lost the semifinal or the final they could then challenge the winner of the final in a Grand Final Challenge (or Grand Final), the following week.
Before 1926, it was usually first past the post. If two teams were level or close after the rounds had been completed then they would play off in a final.
Easts v Souths
Now, Easts and Souths have played each other in some finals, viz., in 1908, 1923, 1928 and 1935. But South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs (or whatever name they have called themselves) have only played in only ONE Grand Final. And it has been described by many people, as the greatest Grand Final of all time.
And personally I agree. I cannot find one better.
1931
1931 – The wonderful Roosters (well, Tricolours actually!).
South Sydney had won 5 premierships in the second half of the 20s. However, in 1930 there was a new kid on the block, Western Suburbs. But in 1931, the glorious Eastern Suburbs Rugby League Club was in full swing.
They had finally thrown off the South Sydney yoke, so they thought, beating them twice in the rounds, the second time 23-10. Easts supporters were dusting off the mantelpiece, ready for the premiership team photo. I mean, Easts finished Minor Premiers with 24 points and Wests and Souths were way back on 18. Surely you can’t lose from there? Can you?
Sweating On Souths
During the first week of the semis, Souths easily disposed of St George in a lackluster game. A bead of sweat appeared on the forehead of the Wests and Easts supporters. Wests challenged Easts the following week. It was a nail biting game with the final score 10-8 to Wests. Now there would be a GF and Easts awaited the winner of the Wests/ Souths final.
Both captains were very confident of victory in the final. At half time the score was close at 5-3 to Souths. But Souths were just getting warmed up. Tries to Why (2) and Wearing and some great goal kicking saw Souths run out easy victors 17-3. Now for the Grand Final.
Those aforementioned beads were quite large now.
What a game!
Easts started well with two penalty goals to lead 4-0 at half time. Five minutes into the second half Souths seized control. Souths forwards hurled themselves at the Easts line. The ball was spun wide and Wearing scampered across wide out, following it up with a glorious kick. Souths led 5-4.
Easts hit back with a great try by Tottey, unconverted; Easts 7-5. A penalty goal evened up the score at 7-all.
The game went on with both teams desperate for that break that would win them the premiership. Fans sat in the stands biting their fingernails. Only a minute to go and still the scores were tied.
The Moment
Then it happened. Arguably the most exciting moment in Grand Final history. In an individual effort to rival Cody Walker’s try in the Grand Final of 2021, Harry Eyers took the ball inside Easts 25, stood still for a moment, then with an electrifying burst of speed ran through the Easts team. He then beat an ineffectual tackle by fullback Hong, who was playing injured, and scored between the posts, converted by Williams.
Souths 12-7, and their 10th premiership was in the bag.
This was not the end of the season, however. Group 9, who were the country champions and had some wonderful players in their team, challenged Souths to a game the following week. Souths made short work of them, winning 31-15, to complete a memorable season.
SOUTH SYDNEY 12 ( Wearing, Eyers tries, Wearing Williams, Spillane goals) bt EASTERN SUBURBS 7 ( Tottey try, Lynch 2 goals) Crowd 27 104.
The Greatest Grand Final
By Mark Emery for Bunnies TV.
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