Episode 7 – The Birth of a Super Coach- Eastern Suburbs 1967

Posted on by That's the Way It Was

Eastern Suburbs failed to win a match in the 1966 Premiership Season.

It was only the fourth time in the history of the NSWRL that a team had failed to win a match in a premiership season (Annandale 1918, Sydney University 1935, South Sydney 1946).

Most experts were predicting similar dire straits for Easts for the following season.

But, in 1967 a man would arrive who would change the fortunes of the Roosters, and go on to become a legend of the game.

Article regarding Ingham Sponsorship Rugby League Week 1967.
Jim Matthews won the trophy for Easts best player in 1967. He shared the $400 prize money with his teammates.
How all grades stood at the end of the 1967 Premiership season.
How all grades stood at the end of the 1967 Premiership season.
26 August 1967 Minor Semi-Final, SCG 1967. Canterbury 13, Easts 2.
1967 Minor Semi-Final. SCG, 26 August 1967. Crowd: 47,186.
Canterbury 13 ( K.Ryan, B.Renyolds, C.Gartner tries; G.Taylforth 2 goals ) defeated Easts 2 ( J.Mathews goal).

Easts, changed their nickname from Tricolours to Roosters in 1967.
Easts, changed their nickname from ‘Tricolours’ to ’Roosters’ in 1967.

Episode Acknowledgements

  • Perry Johnstone is a former panel member of Radio 2SER-FM’s A View from the Hill. He is also Secretary of the Alexandria Rovers JRLFC and a life-long Eastern Suburbs Supporter (Membership Number 3840).
  • Rugby League News
  • Sydney Morning Herald