1975:
SAINTS LOSE GRAND FINAL 38-0

CHANGA'S WHITE BOOTS WHITEWASH The white boots worn by Graeme 'Changa' Langlands in the 1975 grand final have become part of rugby league folklore. Former Kangaroo winger, Ken Irvine worked for Adidas and gave the promotional boots to his mate Langlands. In a time when all football boots were black, the white boots were as innovative as they were eye-catching. For Saints supporters the novelty soon turned into disaster with the white boots remaining as a painful reminder of a great player struggling in the most important match of the year; and the 38-0 thrashing which followed. But the boots weren't to blame. Prior to kick-off, Langlands had a painkilling injection to deal with a groin injury. The injection went wrong and he lost feeling in one of his legs. Uncoordinated and floundering, 'Chang' became a passenger in the backline and his famous side-step and kicking game deserted him. Nevertheless, the white boots served as a symbol on the worst day imaginable for the footballing legend. Langlands kept the boots and took them to England where he was coaching Australia in the World Series. While in Yorkshire and after a training session, 'Changa' decided to throw the boots over a cross bar and that was the last he ever saw of them. Langlands may have ditched the white boots on an impulse but years later, the Rugby League Immortal said he wish he kept them when he quipped, "they'd be worth a fortune now!"

Sydney Cricket Ground, 20 September 1975: In what was then a record grand final defeat, St George were defeated 38-0 in the 1975 grand final by Jack Gibson's Roosters.
Saints looked a chance early on when utility back, Ted  'Lord Ted' Goodwin put on a chip and chase only to have a head on collision with East's player, Ian Schubert. Ted came off second best and was out of touch for the remainder of the match. But things were also wrong with Graeme Langlands who was struggling with his coordination following an ill-directed pain killing injection.
At half time, the Dragons were down 5-nil. Saints did cross during the match and were wrongly disallowed a try.
Despite his leg problems, Langlands returned in the second half hoping that his leg would 'come good'. But it didn't and by game's end, Saints were completely demoralised by Easts.
The disappointment of grand final day over shadowed what was an otherwise excellent season. After 22 rounds, Saints were placed in third position and would go on to be runners up. The Dragons defeated Manly 10-3 in the preliminary semi-final and then defeated competition front runners Easts 8-5 in the major semi-final. Throughout the semi-final series, St George were rank outsiders and made it to the grand final thanks to their determination defence and refusal to give up against their more fancied opponents.
The win over Easts in the major semi-final may have contributed to the grand final thrashing. To win that match against the odds was for some players, their 'grand final'.

WAV (3038 Kb) Click on the speaker to hear Graeme Langlands recall the 1975 grand final.

Following the semi-final victory over the powerful Roosters' outfit, Graeme Langlands declared, "Even if we win the grand final, I couldn't be happier than I am now."

In his book, Saints the Legend Lives On, Ian Heads wrote that following the grand final, Easts' skipper Arthur Beetson did his best to comfort his opposing captain. Langlands, however, was reportedly inconsolable.


ROY FERGUSON Following the 1975 grand final loss, one of the few players who could hold his head up high was centre, Roy Ferguson (pic right) who maintained his reputation as a tough competitor throughout the match. Ferguson joined Saints from Wests in 1972 and was to retire in 1976 after scoring 30 tries in 100 games.

HENRY TATANA On their way to qualifying for the 1975 Grand Final, Saints defeated Manly in the preliminary semi final, 10-3. They then narrowly defeated Easts 8-5 in the major semi-final courtesy of the boot of Henry Tatana who kicked four goals and all of Saints points. He was Saints' leading points scorer in 1975 with 117 points

1976:
CHANGA RETIRES
April 1976:  Graeme 'Changa' Langlands has announced his retirement from Rugby League. Determined to make amends for the 1975 grand final, Langlands returned to the football field for one more season in 1976. But he struggled to make an impression and in the fourth round, the writing was on the wall when he missed a simple tackle on Wests' hooker John Purcell. For the next two days, Langlands considered his future and then decided to call it a day.

For a generation, 'Chang/Changa'' entertained Rugby League crowds with spectacular footballing feats at club, state and international level. He played in four consecutive Grand Final wins for St George.
Originally signed from Wollongong, Langlands' contract was bought for £3000 following a previous offer of £1000 up front plus £1000 every time 'Changa' played an international. This offer was rejected by Wollongong. Changa played for Australia no less than 90 times.
In 1962, 'Chang' played rep football for Country firsts and then NSW. He signed with Saints in 1963 and was selected to play for Australia. He scored 20 points (2 tries, 7 goals) in the 50-12 thrashing of Great Britain in the second Test match at Swinton, UK. Without a doubt one the best attacking backs the world has ever seen, 'Changa' was also a ruthless defender. He possessed a magnificent side step and often devastated the opposition with his acceleration. Additionally, 'Changa' was a champion goal kicker who often landed long range goals. He kicked seven goals in the 1966 Grand Final.

GRAEME LANGLANDS MBE In 1976, Graeme Langlands was awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal for his contribution to Rugby League and club life.

The unbelievable brilliance of Graeme Langlands was evident in a World Cup match against France in 1972 when he raced after a kick and touched down; only to be denied a try because the referee thought it to be impossible that a player could be so swift - the referee incorrectly penalised Langlands for offside.
Graeme Langlands was the season's leading point scorer in 1971 (11 tries, 69 goals. 171 points) and 1973 (5 tries, 77 goals. 169 points). In 1973, Langlands was selected for the third time as captain-coach of the Australian Kangaroos.
In 1974,  'Chang' was recalled to the Australian team and was inspirational as captain-coach when he led Australia to an ashes winning victory at the SCG. In a single-handed display of attacking football, 'Chang' set up victory and became the first player to score 100 Test points against Great Britain. He was raised onto the shoulders of his team mates as the large crowd chanted, 'Changa....Changa....Changa'.

WAV (1193 Kb) Click on the speaker to hear Graeme Langlands recall his retirement in 1976. In 1975, Langlands played in his last Grand Final when Saints were thrashed 38-0 by Easts. The match was unfortunately remembered as the 'white boots' Grand Final after Changa's sponsored boots. Carrying many injuries, Changa suffered terribly from a misdirected pain killing injection. Saints went down as 'Chang' struggled with an ineffective right leg. The white boots were eventually tossed over a cross bar in Leeds by Changa one afternoon whilst on tour as coach of the Kangaroos. In April 1976, Graeme 'Changa' Langlands finally called it a day. In later years, Graeme Langlands would be awarded an MBE. He would gain further recognition as one of Rugby League's 'Immortals' in 1999. An honour which is also shared by Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Wally Lewis and Arthur Beetson. Perhaps one of the greatest honours a player can receive is that which is bestowed upon him by his peers. In 1985, Rugby League Week arranged an Australian team reunion. Entitled, 'The Masters', it included 'the 13 best' players since 1970. Amongst them were no less than eight ex-captains, including Graeme Langlands. When it came to the 'team photo', Chang was late to take his seat. In the end, there was only one seat left, the one in the centre of the front row and the spot reserved for the team captain. Chang's peers had spontaneously and unanimously decided that the captain's spot for this legendary team belonged to Graeme Langlands. Changa's stats: ST GEORGE, 1963-1976: 227 games, 86 tries, 648 goals, 1554 points. Domestic Rep honours: Country firsts 1962 (1 match), City seconds 1963-65 (2 matches), City firsts 1967-73 (6 matches), Sydney 1964-66, (2 matches: internationals), NSW 1962-75 (36 matches: 33 vs Qld + 3 internationals) Australian Rep honours: Tests 1963-74 (34 matches), World Cup (11 matches), Tour matches 1963-75 (45 matches). In all, Graeme Langlands played 320 top level matches scoring 132 tries, 866 goals for a first class career total of 2128 points.

1978:
FEARLESS FRANK FACER DIES
The one consistent factor during St George's reign during the Golden years was Frank Facer (pic right) who was elected as secretary of St George in 1956. Often referred to as St George 'supremo', Facer remained as secretary until 1977 despite losing a leg to cancer in 1976.
Facer was a North Sydney junior who played hooker that team's 1943 Grand Final loss to Newtown. In 1947, he joined St George and played three seasons with the Dragons.
With Facer at the administrative helm, in 1956 St George began a run of victories which will never be surpassed. He was responsible for attracting great champions to the club such as Brian Clay, Ian Walsh, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Rod Reddy and Ted Goodwin.
He will be remembered as a club administrator who was uncompromising and a man who knew talent when he saw it.
Frank Facer's playing record with St George (1947-50): 74 games, 2 tries.
As club secretary (1956-77): 22 seasons, 12 premierships, 1956-66 and 1977.

MARK SHULMAN RETIRES A neck injury has forced halfback and captain Mark Shulman to retire. Graded in 1970, 'Bantam' Shulman played 170 all grade games, 56 in first grade. He took over the captaincy in 1978 from Steve Edge. But a neck injury cut short his season and his career, with Craig Young taking over as captain.

SAINTS FAIL TO MAKE SEMIS
Kogarah Oval, 11 June 1978: St George have defeated Manly 22-13 in round 12 of the 1978 season. Despite this win against the eventual '78 premiers, Saints suffered a series of important and often narrow losses throughout the year. Winning just one of their first seven matches, the Dragon's title defence was always going to difficult. By round 22, Saints had finished in eighth position and for only the second time in 29 seasons were unable to secure a semis berth. Saints did however make the final of the mid week (night time) knock out comp, 'Amco Cup' coming second to Easts.

MITCH BRENNAN SHAKES OFF THE 'MICKEY LANE' RUSE
In 1978, Saints finally signed stylish three-quarter, Mitch Brennan but not before the controversy of the 'Mickey Lane' incident.

Steve Edge and Mitch Brennan after the 1979 Grand Final.

Possessing a amazing turn of pace, Mitch once trialed with North American Football team, the 'Toronto Argonauts' in 1975 and was offered a contract. However, visa restrictions meant that Mitch had to return to Australia and Rugby League.
In 1977, the promising Brisbane Souths junior was invited by coach Harry Bath to trial for Saints at Grafton. 
Because Brennan was in negotiation with Brisbane Souths, the decision was made to play Mitch under the false name of  'Mickey Lane' - a pseudonym invented by coach Harry Bath who borrowed it from a British street name. Unfortunately, Mitch was recognised and the NSWRL were not amused. A fine of $500 was imposed.
He finally signed with Saints in 1978 and immediately showed his worth when he was awarded the 'golden try' award in the 1978 mid week cup (he also won this again in 1981). He would go to be the club's top try scorer in 1979 (16 tries) and play in that year's Grand Final victory.
After leaving Saints for South Sydney in 1981, Mitch would represent Queensland and gained further state honours while playing with Redcliffe in 1982-83.
Mitch finished up his First Grade career with Canberra before retiring at the end of the 1988 season.

1979 premiers: St George Dragons Click on the pic for names and larger image (59Kb)

SAINTS WIN 15th PREMIERSHIP
Sydney Cricket Ground, 17 September 1979: Saints put the previous season behind them with a magnificent year in 1979 when they finished 22 rounds as minor premiers. In the semis, Saints defeated Parramatta 15-11 (8 Sept) in the major semi and qualified for yet another Grand Final. Their opponents Canterbury, qualified for the Grand Final after defeating Wests, Cronulla and Parramatta.
The Grand Final was played in fine conditions in front of good sized SCG crowd. There was lots of pub talk going on as to who was the best of the opposing halfbacks, Steve Morris or Steve Mortimer.
The first half began with a flying break from deep in Saints half from Morris who ran on the last tackle covering some 40 metres before brought down in a classic covering tackle by Mortimer.
The half, however belonged to Saints with new fullback, Brian Johnson (pic right) taking a pass 10 metres out from the Canterbury line and scoring an easy opening try.
Soon after, Rod Reddy, who was subduing his opponents with ruthless disregard, put Morris into a gap. 'Slippery' kicked ahead and the race was on. Mortimer, who had a head start, got there first but Morris tackled him into touch.
Later, Canterbury put up a bomb into the St George in-goal. Brian Johnson was on hand to field the ball and returned it with a 60-metre run, out-pacing most only to be caught in a copy book tackle by his opposite fullback, Stan Cutler.
But the defence was opening up and it wasn't long before Saints scored their second try with winger, Mitch Brennan venturing infield and finding a gap courtesy of centre, Robert Finch who slipped a short ball to Brennan 30 metres out. The strapping winger made a powerful run to score another three-pointer.

HISTORY SPOT RED BIKINI GIRL

1979 GRAND FINAL FULLTIME: Saints 17 Canterbury 13 Scorers (St George) Tries: Brian Johnson, Mitch Brennan, Rod Reddy Goals: George Grant 4 Referee: G. Hartley Crowd: 50,991

By now, Saints were carving Canterbury up with Morris, on his 20-metre line putting lanky Graeme Wynn into a gap. The back rower ran 40 metres often with defenders hanging off him and leaving many of them in his wake as he refused to be brought down. Then it was 'Rocket' Rod Reddy's turn as Morris, Wynn and Reddy combined down the right flank to break the back of Canterbury with a movement which began on halfway. 'Rocket' handled twice to score a try under the posts.
At half time, it was Saints 17 - Canterbury 2.
But in a game of two halves, Canterbury fought back to score three tries with Steve Gearin and Peter Mortimer crossing. Stan Cutler scored a late try out wide but by then it was all over.
Saints can be grateful for the kicking boots of prop forward, George Grant who scored 211 points in 1979 including four goals for Saints in the Grand Final, thus ensuring victory by 17-13.
Best player ('Dave Brown Medal') went to Steve Morris.

HISTORY SPOT THE 70s - THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE