On This Day: Churchill Plays With Broken Wrist

Words: South Sydney Rabbitohs

On this day in 1955, South Sydney legend and rugby league immortal, Clive Churchill plays on after breaking his left wrist in the first tackle of the Rabbitohs Round 17 match against Manly at Redfern Oval.

The injury is treated with a cardboard splint at half-time and with Souths drawing level at 7-7 in the final minute of the match courtesy of a Les Cowie try, Captain-Coach Jack Rayner places the fate of the match in the wounded fullback’s hands.

With his arm hanging limply by his side, an unfazed Churchill strolls in and kicks the most memorable goal in Souths’ history to seal the result for his side in front of 15,000 people.

The Little Master’s heroic effort from the sideline would see the Rabbitohs hold fourth position on the table, maintaining their narrow lead over Norths and ensuring that the side would qualify for the semi-finals.

South Sydney would once again face-off against Manly in the minor semi-final, replicating the result from their initial encounter with a 14-12 victory.

The Rabbitohs would continue their form, with the side charging to their third consecutive Premiership, accounting for St George in the preliminary final before defeating the Newtown Jets in the grand final.