History of The South Sydney Rabbitohs - "The Little Master"

"The Little Master"

The heart and soul of the Rabbitohs in the 1950s was undoubtedly Clive Churchill. "The Little Master" as he was nicknamed by admirers was a courageous and genius fullback originally hailing from Newcastle. Souths signed him up as a youngster and he would be a central figure in two of Souths golden eras.

The legendary Rabbitoh revolutionised fullback play from the steadfast role of his era. He was small in physique but casts a shadow over all before and after him in the game. None can be compared for courage, tackling skill, positional play and attacking brilliance.

Churchill also captained Australia in a record 24 Test matches but strangely didn't captain Souths to a premiership. Churchill played 34 Tests for Australia and the 1954 World Cup series. For six years he was Australia's captain, including three series against Great Britain. Churchill played his final test for Australia on the 1956-57 Kangaroo Tour. He finished playing with South Sydney after being captain-coach for the 1958 season.

After being the main player in Souths golden run between 1950–55, Churchill was back as coach in 1967 to help end the dominance of St. George and steer the Rabbitohs to their final four premierships.

Churchill is regarded by many as the greatest ever Australian Rugby League player. Churchill lost his battle with cancer in 1985 aged 58. In memory of Churchill, a stand at the Sydney Cricket Ground was named after him, a place where he achieved many of his finest feats and acts of courage for South Sydney and Australia. On grand final day, the best performed player in the grand final is awarded the prestigious "Clive Churchill Medal".