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Seasons In Review
(Contents)

Introduction

1907 - 1920

1921 - 1925

1926 - 1929

1930 -1934

1935 -1939

1940 -1944

1945 -1949

1950 -1955

1956 -1959

1960 -1963

1964 -1966

1967 -1969

1970 -1973

1974 -1979

1980 - 1984

1985 - 1989

1990 - 1993

1994 - 1995

1996

1997 - 1998

1999

2000 - 2002

2003 - 2005

2006

2007

St George Dragons Rugby League History
Since 1921 - Our Proud History
1974-1979
1974
SAINTS FAIL TO MAKE SEMIS FOR FIRST TIME IN 23 YEARS
St George found the going tough in 1974.
In a season ruined by injuries, Saints finished 8th and failed to make the semis for the first time in 23 years. This was a major blow for the club and supporters - the event being marked by an article in The Big League entitled, 'Au revoir Saints'.
In an interview, club secretary Frank Facer expressed his disappointment.
"It's still hard to believe," said Facer. "You keep thinking it really hasn't happened."
Facer pointed to the injury toll and cited a "weakness in the front row" as being the major reasons for Saints' missing out on the play offs.
Facer concluded by exclaiming, "We'll be back."
Any future premiership hopes for St George rested with the Under 23s (formerly third grade), the young team winning 20 out of 24 matches to defeat Canterbury 27-3 in the Grand Final and take out the third grade title.
The Under 23s saw the emergence of future stars such as Robert Stone, Michel Sorridimi, John Bailey and Robert Finch.
In other news, St George legend Johnny King had a successful year coaching Western Division. Under his guidance, the battlers from NSW country won the new mid-week 'Amco Cup' knock-out competition.
Changa Langlands 1974 - St George Dragons rugby league historyCHANG RECALLED INTO AUSTRALIAN TEST JUMPER
The major highlight in 1974 was during the third and deciding Test at the SCG when Graeme Langlands was recalled into the Australian team.

Chang played an inspirational captain's knock leading Australia to a magnificent victory over Great Britain by 22-18. 'Changa' was carried from the field by his teams mates with the huge crowd chanting his name.
Afterwards in the dressing room, Langlands was informed that his successful sideline goal kick, to convert his own try, made him the first player in history of Test match Rugby League to score 100 points against Great Britain.
1974
NSWRL First Grade
Ladder

(top 5 in semis)
Easts p 38
Manly 30
Canterbury 26
Wests 25
Souths 25
Norths 24
Newtown 20
St George 20
Penrith 18
Cronulla 18
Parramatta 10
Balmain 10
p = Season Premiers

Saints 1900
AFTER 22 ROUNDS
Minor Premiership
Won-Lost-Draw
W
L
D
10
12
0
Points For 331
(6th best attack)
Points Against 363
(8th best defence)
MP Standing
8th

(12 teams)

Back in the hunt

1975:
SAINTS LOSE GRAND FINAL 38-0
CHANGA'S WHITE BOOTS WHITEWASH
White boots - St George Dragons rugby league history
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'.
Graeme 'Changa' Langlands speaks 1975 - click hereWAV (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 - St George Dragons rugby league history
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

1975
NSWRL First Grade
Ladder

(top 5 in semis,
play-off for 5th)
Easts p 40
Manly 30
St George 26
Canterbury 24
Wests 21
Parramatta 21
Balmain 21
Cronulla 19
Norths 18
Newtown 16
Penrith 15
Souths 12
p = Season Premiers

Saints 1975
AFTER 22 ROUNDS
Minor Premiership
Won-Lost-Draw
W
L
D
12
8
2
Points For 341
(7th best attack)
Points Against 294
(4th best defence)
MP Standing
3rd

(12 teams)

FINALS
W
L
2
1
Points For 18
Points Against 46
Final Standing
2nd

TOTALS
25 matches
W
L
D
14
9
2
Points For 359
60 tries
89 goals
1 field goal
Points Against 340
68 tries
68 goals
0 field goals

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.

Graeme 'Changa' Langlands - St George Dragons rugby league historyIn 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'.
Changa speaks 1976 - click hereWAV (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.

1976
NSWRL First Grade
Ladder

(top 5 in semis)
Manly p 32
Parramatta 30
St George 28
Easts 27
Canterbury 27
Balmain 25
Wests 24
Cronulla 19
Penrith 17
Souths 16
Norths 13
Newtown
6
p = Season Premiers

Saints 1976
AFTER 22 ROUNDS
Minor Premiership
Won-Lost-Draw
W
L
D
14
8
0
Points For 328
(8th best attack)
Points Against 298
(5th best defence)
MP Standing
3rd

(12 teams)

FINALS
W
L
0
2
Points For 15
Points Against 56
Final Standing
4th

TOTALS
24 matches
W
L
D
14
10
0
Points For 343
67 tries
70 goals
2 field goal
Points Against 354
67 tries
76 goals
1 field goal
SAINTS THRASH SOUTHS IN SEASON OPENER
Redfern Oval, 20 March 1976:  St George have had a convincing win in round one when they downed South Sydney 31-10.
SAINTS BOW OUT OF SEMI-FINALS
Sydney Cricket Ground, 5 September 1976: St George have gone down to Canterbury, 25-9 in the minor semi-final. Saints completed 22 rounds on 28 points and coming into the semis, they were positioned in third place.
HENRY TATANA
In 1976, Henry Tatana was again the club's top scorer in first grade with 105 points.

1976 was the final season for Tatana at St George. The Kiwi Test prop forward landed six goals in New Zealand's surprise 24-3 defeat of Australia in 1971 before linking up with Saints for two seasons between 1975-76.
Over 42 games, Henry Tatana scored four tries and 105 goals (222 points) for St George.
He went on to become president of the Cessnock club (1984-86) before suddenly passing away in Brisbane in 1998, aged 53.
BILLY SMITH'S RESERVES WIN GRAND FINAL
Sydney Cricket Ground, 18 September 1976:
Captained by veteran halfback Billy Smith, the St George reserves won their last seven games to take out the 1976 reserve grade Grand Final, defeating minor premiers Cronulla-Sutherland 17-12. It was the club's fifth reserve grade premiership victory. Coached by former player, Peter Dickenson, the reserves represented a hint of things to come.


1977:
1977 team - click here - St George Dragons rugby league history
click on the team pic (left) for a larger image (77 Kb)
ST GEORGE AND PARRAMATTA
IN HISTORIC 9-ALL GRAND FINAL DRAW
The Dragons, sporting the sponsors name, 'Penfolds' on their jumper had a great year finishing second on the ladder and defeated minor premiers, Parramatta Eels 10-5 in the major semi-final to qualify for the Grand Final.

St George jersey 1977. Artist impression by Gav - St George Dragons rugby league history1977 SEMI FINALS TEAM: ST GEORGE DRAGONS:
Ted Goodwin, Stephen Butler, Graham Quinn, Robert Finch, John Chapman, Rod McGregor, Mark Shulman & John Bailey, Craig Young, Steven Edge (c), Bruce Starkey, Robert Stone, John Jansen, Rod Reddy.

'The game of the Century'
Ted Goodwin chance - St George Dragons rugby league historySydney Cricket Ground, 17 September 1977: Geoff Greenwood's, 'Australian Rugby League's Greatest Games' described the first 1977 Grand Final between the St George Dragons and the Parramatta Eels as being 'the game of the Century'. A bold claim but one that almost certainly has the backing of those fortunate enough to witness this extraordinary match.
Parramatta boasted an experienced outfit. Saints on the other hand were a side of youngsters. Dubbed, 'Baths Babes' after their coach Harry Bath, the Dragons were deemed too inexperienced to roll over the Eels. Initially, the punters agreed but in the days leading into the Grand Final, the betting market narrowed.
Frank Hyde, Rugby League veteran and doyen of the airways, couldn't pick a winner. In one of his regular media announcements, Frank exclaimed, "I wouldn't be surprised if this match finished in a draw".

Ted Goodwin Rugby League Week - St George Dragons history
Click on the above pic for larger image (38Kb) of a bloody and weary Ted Goodwin pushing away trainer Ken Boothroyd in 1977.
This dramatic image made the front page of the Rugby League Week and illustrates 'Lord Ted' Goodwin's passion for St George and Rugby League.
On September 17th, almost 66,000 people flocked into the Sydney Cricket Ground to see an enthusiastic St George side come out with all guns blazing. Lock forward, 'Rocket' Rod Reddy, dominated proceedings with some brutal defensive play.
Robert Stone & John Bailey in 1977 - St George Dragons rugby league history Robert Stone and John Bailey
In attack, diminutive halfback, Mark Shulman made inroads and Saints went ahead 4-0 following two penalty goals to Ted Goodwin. Then, just before half time, 'Lord Ted' scored a miraculous try when he burst through and chipped ahead from halfway. Confronting his opposite fullback Phil Mann, Goodwin kicked again. A foot race followed with cover defenders Graeme Atkins and Ed Sulkowicz joining in hot pursuit. The ball trickled towards the dead-ball line but Goodwin got there first, hitting the ground hard and knocking himself out in the process.
Goodwin had just run 50 yards, beating every defender to score a breath-taking individual try. John Chapman converted and even though Goodwin took no further part in the match, he had given his side a handy 9-0 lead going into the break.
1977
NSWRL First Grade
Ladder

(top 5 in semis)
Parramatta 38
St George p 34
Easts 31
Balmain 28
Manly 28
Cronulla 26
Canterbury 21
Norths 21
Wests 14
Penrith 13
Souths
6
Newtown
4
p = Season Premiers

Saints 1977
AFTER 22 ROUNDS
Minor Premiership
Won-Lost-Draw
W
L
D
17
5
0
Points For 402
(4th best attack)
Points Against 260
(3rd best defence)
MP Standing
2nd

(12 teams)

FINALS
W
L
D
3
0
1
Points For 60
Points Against 28
Final Standing
1st

TOTALS
26 matches
W
L
D
20
5
1
Points For 462
83 tries
106 goals
1 field goal
Points Against 288
49 tries
70 goals
1 field goal
The second half started in a similar uncompromising fashion. Rod Reddy was targeting certain players including champion lock, Ray Price but in the process he gave away a number of penalties. Mick Cronin slotted three pressure goals to make it 9-6 and the older Eels were coming back against a tiring Dragons defence.
With 10 minutes left, Parramatta pounced when Cronin drew in three defenders. Price backed up and stepped through before giving the final pass to Sulkowicz who scored the equaliser! Suddenly Parramatta had the chance to snatch victory and all eyes turned to Mick Cronin and the conversion attempt.
A Gerringong junior, Cronin was bought by Parramatta to kick goals. In a moment that most footballers only dream of, he had the opportunity to kick his team to premiership glory. But it wasn't to be. The ball sailed to the right of the uprights and moments later, the full time score board read 9-all.
For the first time in history, a Sydney Rugby League Grand Final would be forced into 20 minutes extra time and we suddenly found ourselves in uncharted waters.
Parramatta took command of the re-start and looked to be on a roll. By now, players were dropping regularly, only to be told to get back on their feet. While surging forward, the Eels almost scored when Prop Graham Olling found space near the line. But he failed pass to unmarked fellow front rower, Ron Hilditch.
Saints gained strength from this and grafted out some territory. They appeared to go up another gear.
With the posts in sight, they started to think field goals. Shulman and Chapman made unsuccessful attempts.
Tony Quirk - St George Dragons rugby league history Then Tony Quirk [pictured right] attempted to break the deadlock with a shot from close range. Called on as fullback, Quirk's attempt looked to be on target but incredibly, the ball bounced off the posts and into the arms of Saints' hooker, Steve Edge. Edge raced over the try line and the crowd roared... only to see the Dragons' skipper called back for offside!
With one minute to go, referee Gary Cook awarded a penalty to Saints within kicking range. In a final twist, Chapman's kicked went the same way as Cronin's did 20 minutes earlier and after 100 minutes of Grand Final football, the scores were still locked up at 9-all.
For a while, we were stunned by the novelty of the event. Players wandered aimlessly towards the sideline, some needing assistance. Then we saw players shaking hands... the game was over! How could it be over..? Who were the 1977 premiers?
The SCG announcer released us from the uncertainty with the news that a replay was decided. Mindless sections of the crowd booed but the majority stood and applauded the players. This was one bloody good match. This was history in the making!
In the days that followed, The Dragons camp spoke confidentially as to how they could defeat their rivals. Officials noted the loss of halfback, Mark Shulman following deliberate knees in the back from Parramatta skipper Ray Higgs but overall, the team had survived the torrid encounter.
Harry Bath coach - St George Dragons rugby league history Coach Harry Bath, reportedly giving away cigarettes, is caught by the SCG camera crew.
Ironically, the young Dragons also had the advantage of experience. Coach, Harry Bath played in a drawn Wembley Cup Final in 1954. His Warrington side won the replay in front of a then record crowd of 102,000 people. The young Saints soaked up their coach's experience.
The Parramatta camp however told a different story with players showing multiple cuts, bruises and bite marks... Ray Price in particular looked like he had been used as a punching bag with other players claiming to this day that Saints had tried to 'eat them alive'.
Craig Young speaks 1977 - click hereWAV (520 Kb)
Click on the speaker to hear Craig Young recall the drawn first Grand Final in 1977
MP3 (906 Kb)
RADIO 2SM PROMO 1977 GRAND FINAL - CLICK HERE
Senior Eels' players asked coach, Terry Fearnley for permission to retaliate. But Fearnley, advocated 'fair play' and wouldn't have a bar of it.
As it turned out, Fearnley's pride would not be enough to reverse Parramatta's fortunes with Saints proving far too strong in the historic Grand Final Replay.
TEAMS: ST GEORGE: E Goodwin, B Butler, G Quinn, R Finch, J Chapman, R McGregor, M Shulman, R Reddy, J Jansen, R Stone, C Young, S Edge (c), B Starkey. Res: J Bailey, A Quirk
PARRAMATTA: P Mann, J Porter , M Cronin , E Sulkowicz , G Atkins , M Levy , J Kolc, R Price, G Gerard, R Higgs (c), J Baker, R Hilditch, G Olling. Res: D Fitzgerald , J Peard
Fulltime score (after extra time): St George 9 (Goodwin try, Goodwin 2, Chapman goals) drew with Parramatta 9 (Sulkowicz try, Cronin 3 goals).


Ted Goodwin 1977 grand final - St George Dragons rugby league historyBATH'S BABES VICTORIOUS!
Steve Edge, Ted Goodwin. Click here for larger pic - St George Dragons rugby league history
Steve Edge and Ted Goodwin hold up the JJ Giltinan Shield
click here for larger pic
SAINTS UNSTOPPABLE IN GRAND FINAL REPLAY
Sydney Cricket Ground, 24 September 1977: The Dragons, with Craig Young and Steve Edge in the pack and coached by  'the old fox', Harry Bath have won the Grand Final Replay with a resounding 22-0 victory over the Parramatta Eels.
With a strong breeze at their backs, Saints began the match in determined fashion and were in front 7-nil with a try to John Jansen following a great forward charge by tireless front rower, Bruce Starkey. 12 minutes into the second half, St George increased their lead with a penalty goal to Ted Goodwin (pictured right). 'Lord Ted' was magical, often injecting himself into the backline on the foundations built by a strong forward pack and assisted by lockRod Reddy - who was again ruthless throughout the match - and experienced second rower, Barry Beath.
As the match developed, Saints' backline was cutting loose. Robert Finch and Graham Quinn found room in the centres and halves, John Bailey and Rod McGregor took full advantage as their older opposites struggled to keep up the pace.
1977 GRAND FINAL REPLAY FULLTIME:
Saints 22 Parramatta 0
Scorers:
Tries: John Jansen, Robert Stone, John Bailey

Goals: Ted Goodwin 6

Field Goals: Ted Goodwin 1
Referee: G. Cook

Crowd: 48,828
A drop goal from Teddy Goodwin in the second half posted a score of 10-nil. Parra, unable to maintain the workload, were found offside. Ted then kicked another penalty goal and Saints led by 12-nil.
Controversy intervened when a touch judge was apparently hit by a projectile from the crowd and collapsed. He had to be replaced by a ground official who was wearing normal street attire.
Late in the match, Robert Stone found the ball and ran some 30 metres score an unbelievable forward's try much to the delight of his coach and the Sheridan Stand who had a ring side view of the match sealing try.
At 17-nil, Saints couldn't be beaten, but they still had something left for those of us who were lucky enough to be there. Following a wonderful display of backing up, Saints were awarded a penalty try by referee Gary Cook when John Bailey was taken out by the tired defence.
Steve Edge - St George Dragons rugby league history
Hooker, Steve Edge at full time
Goodwin successfully negotiated the conversion attempt and at fulltime, St George had thrashed Parramatta 22-0 to win their 14th premiership.
After 180 minutes of bone-crushing football, Saints were finally declared the champions of 1977.


Billy Smith - St George Dragons rugby league historyBILLY SMITH RETIRES
Billy Smith (pic right) finished his career in reserve grade but not before passing Norm Provan's record of 296 grade matches. A local junior, the legendary half back started his first grade career with Saints in 1963 playing 229 first grade games. He represented NSW 15 times in 1964, 65, 67, 68, 69, 1971 and 73. He played 18 Tests for Australia in 1964-68 and 1970. He played in four grand final winning teams in 1963-66. Billy twice won the Harry Sunderland Medal for best Australian player in an Ashes series. A smashed jaw saw Smith miss representative duties in 1969 but he came back to captain Australia in 1970.

Although they did have a falling out late in their careers, Smith's partnership with Graeme Langlands will be remembered as one of the finest the game has ever seen.

Billy had one final taste of success in 1976 as captain of the reserve grade premiership winning side.

Notorious for his rashness, Billy Smith will be remembered as a champion half back who never took a backward step when playing the game he loved.

First grade stats 1963-77: 229 games (4 repl). 30 t, 24 g, 23 fg = 161 points.



1978:
FEARLESS FRANK FACER DIES
Frank Facer - St George Dragons rugby league historyThe 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, Mitch Brennan 1979 - St George Dragons rugby league history
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.

1978
NSWRL First Grade
Ladder

(top 5 in semis)
Wests 33
Cronulla 30
Manly p 30
Parramatta 28
Canterbury 28
Easts 26
Souths 25
St George 21
Balmain 19
Penrith 10
Norths
9
Newtown
5
p = Season Premiers

Saints 1978
AFTER 22 ROUNDS
Minor Premiership
Won-Lost-Draw
W
L
D
10
11
0
Points For 367
(5th best attack)
Points Against 354
(9th best defence)
MP Standing
8th

(12 teams)


1979:
NEW SIGNINGS: Forward, Graeme Wynn (Nth NSW), halfback, 'Slippery' Steve Morris (Dapto) and centre/fullback, Brian Johnson (Dapto).
1979 premiers - St George Dragons rugby league history
1979 premiers: St George Dragons
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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.
Brian Johnson - St George Dragons rugby league history 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.
1979 grand final crowd at SCG - St George Dragons rugby league historyBut 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

1979
NSWRL First Grade
Ladder

(top 5 in semis)
St George p 34
Parramatta 32
Cronulla 29
Wests 28
Canterbury 26
Balmain 25
Manly 23
Easts 19
Souths 18
Penrith 14
Newtown 12
Norths
4
p = Season Premiers

Saints 1979
AFTER 22 ROUNDS
Minor Premiership
Won-Lost-Draw
W
L
D
17
5
0
Points For 476
(2nd best attack)
Points Against 309
(2nd best defence)
MP Standing
1st

(12 teams)

FINALS
W
L
2
0
Points For 32
Points Against 24
Final Standing
1st

TOTALS
24 matches
W
L
D
19
5
0
Points For 508
93 tries
114 goals
1 field goal
Points Against 333
60 tries
76 goals
1 field goal
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