Clive Churchill

In 1947, a diminutive, 20-year-old, Newcastle fullback named Clive Bernard Churchill travelled to Sydney to play a game for Country Seconds. Soon after returning home, his mother received a telegram that a South Sydney official named Dave Spring was headed to the family home to meet Churchill. He would agree to play two games for Souths at the back-end of the season but didn't play. The club then requested he represent Souths in a tour game in Wollongong.

From Clive Churchill's 1962 autobiography, 'They Called Me The Little Master':

"That match at Wollongong was the first time I ever wore the red and green jersey. I soon realised I was playing in a higher standard of football to which I had been accustomed, and unfortunately I sprained my ankle in a kicking duel, and I began to kick badly. I heard Chick Cowie who subsequently became of one of my best football pals exclaim: 'Who is this mug fullback they brought down from Newcastle? He can't even kick a ball.' Admittedly I had a bad day.

"On the train journey that night back to Sydney I felt very distressed at my poor display. I told Mr Dave Spring and Mr Jack Coyne of Souths' committee that I did not think I would make the grade. I told them I would like to return to Newcastle."

The rest is history.