Clive Churchill
Year inducted: 2017
True Blue number: 415
Born: January 21, 1927, Newcastle, NSW
Clubs: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Position: Fullback
Premiership career: (1947-58) 157 games, 13 tries, 77 goals, 193 points
First Grade debut: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newtown Bluebags at Erskineville Oval, Sydney on 16 August, 1947
Representative honours: Australia 37 Tests (1948-56); NSW 27 Interstate Matches (1948-57)
Other honours: Rugby League Immortal 1981, NRL Hall of Fame 2002, ARL Team of the Century 2008, NSW Team of the Century 2008, NSWRL Player of the Year 1950-51, 1953
Known as “The Little Master”, Clive Churchill belied his small frame to revolutionise fullback play. Although an outstanding defender and canny kicker it was his running game that set him apart and saw him lauded as the finest player the game had seen up until then. His career highlights are almost too many to list but include success at every level as both a player and coach. The 1950 Third Test, when he led Australia to reclaim the Ashes for the first time in 30 years, remains his signature moment.
New South Wales Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
