On this day in 1965, as a team on the verge of greatness, Souths defeated North Sydney 14-9 in the Preliminary Finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground to qualify for a shot at their first Premiership in ten years.
The team was coached by Bernie Purcell and players that took the field included Kevin Longbottom, Eric Simms, Arthur Branighan, Bob Moses, Michael Cleary, Jimmy Lisle, Ivan Jones, Jim Morgan, Fred Anderson, John O’Neill, Robert McCarthy, John Sattler and Ron Coote. The game saw two tries from the Rabbitohs side with honours to five-eighth and Captain of the team, Lisle and one try to fullback Longbottom. Simms successfully kicked three goals while Longbottom ksecured the fourth.
The talented young side went on the face St George in the final that were on their way to secure their 10th Premiership. The game didn't go to plan for the Rabbitohs who ended up being defeated in a close 8-12 finish. The game took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of a crowd of 78,056.
