The First Premiership: How South Sydney Became the Inaugural Champions of 1908
On Saturday 29 August 1908 at the Agricultural Ground in Moore Park on Gadigal and Bidjigal land, South Sydney wrote the opening chapter of Rugby League history.
In front of 3,500 spectators, the Rabbitohs defeated Eastern Suburbs 14 points to 12 to claim the first ever premiership in the new Rugby League competition. It was a tough, physical contest played in warm conditions, and it set the foundation for the spirit and identity our club still carries today.
Souths struck early when Leo Seinor finished a sharp passing movement to open the scoring. Eastern Suburbs responded through winger Horrie Miller, who famously intercepted a pass on his own line and sprinted the length of the field to give his side the lead. The Rabbitohs refused to break stride, attacking repeatedly until Tom Golden crashed over close to halftime. Arthur Conlin added a goal on the bell to give South Sydney an 8-7 lead at the break.
The second half followed the same pattern. Conlin crossed in the corner to extend the advantage, and although Percy MacNamara landed a long-range drop goal to narrow the gap, Souths kept turning up. Harry Butler pushed over to make it 14-9, giving the Rabbitohs valuable breathing room. Miller scored again for Easts late in the match, but the conversion missed and South Sydney held firm to secure the inaugural title.
Contemporary reports praised Souths for playing the sounder and more aggressive football. The forwards worked as a tight, disciplined unit, with Max Coxon, Dick Green and Harry Butler leading the way. Conlin and Jack Leveson controlled play with confidence, sparking attacking movements that consistently challenged the Easts defence. Out wide, Storey and Seinor were described as fast and reliable, while fullback William Neill was praised for his safe handling under pressure. When the whistle blew, teammates hoisted Conlin onto their shoulders in recognition of his leadership and influence across the match.
The day also carried symbolic meaning in the origins of the Rabbitohs name. The Sportsman newspaper referred to the side as “the boys from the rabbit district,” hinting at the early connection between South Sydney and the rabbit hawkers who lived and worked throughout the area. What may have begun as a nickname tied to working class life soon became a source of pride, identity and belonging.
Many players from both sides were absent due to selection for the first Kangaroo tour, yet the Final retained a fierce quality. Before kick-off, the crowd watched an exhibition of spear and boomerang throwing from a party of Queensland Aboriginal performers, adding a unique cultural moment to the game’s historic significance. The match itself was fiery, physical and relentless, a sign of the new code’s character and the communities who helped shape it.
South Sydney’s win in 1908 was more than a sporting result. It marked the beginning of a club defined by resilience, unity and pride. It laid the foundation for a team that would go on to win more premierships than any other in Australian Rugby League and become a symbol of strength for generations of supporters.
It remains a moment that continues to inspire the Rabbitohs family. A reminder of where our journey began and why we still stand strong today.
Since 1908. Still here.
