NSWRFL 1938 Premiers /

Just four years into their existence in the NSWRFL, Canterbury-Bankstown held aloft the Premiership trophy following a 19-6 defeat of heavyweights Easts as the competition celebrated its 30th year. 

The catalyst to the season could be put down to the appointment of coach Jimmy Craig and hooker Roy Kirkaldy; the former a Test player and master strategist who had been part of Balmain's golden era from 1915-20, and the latter regarded as 'The Prince of Hookers' and an experienced campaigner.

The year began with a bang defeating Norths (33-5), Wests (28-3), St George (29-17) and Newtown (35-11), scoring 27 tries in four games and conceding just eight. 

However, it was their Round 5 match against three-time Premiers Easts that gave the shot of confidence to take out the crown; the Blue and Whites putting their opponents to the sword in a 28-9 hiding.

Canterbury did not lose a match in the first round, drawing 3-all with Souths at the SCG and losing only to Wests, 19-9 in the second round. 

The final three rounds proved to be a litmus test for the side, coming up against their three toughest rivals, drawing with Easts (15-all) and defeating Souths (12-8) and Balmain (20-18). 

Appropriately, it would be Eastern Suburbs who would be their opponents in the Final, who were on the hunt for a fourth consecutive title.

Front rower Eddie Burns recalled the day with pride:

"I remember sitting on the grass in front of the Sheridan Stand with (Frank) Sponberg - there was no concrete in those days - and counting the people as they came in.

"Every time someone would walk through, we'd say, 'That's another two bob.' You see, you got paid depending on the gate takings, and making a final meant good money to us. No crowd, no money." 

Burns claimed that each player received "about £12", and they certainly deserved it after what was described as a 'tough, dour' struggle. 

Canterbury dominated their more fancied opponents in the final, 19-6, with Joe Gartner scoring two tries and Jim Duncombe once, while Tom Kirk kicked four goals and Roy McCarter one to Easts' two tries.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the match:

Canterbury's Good Win - Triumph of Teamwork

After a hard-fought game, which was exciting practically throughout, Canterbury-Bankstown won the rugby league premiership final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, defeating Eastern Suburbs, last year's premiers, by 19 points to six.

A good crowd of 20,287 was given an excellent exhibition and was obviously delighted that the Canterbury club - the baby one of rugby league - has rounded off a very successful season by taking out the premiership title without having too play a grand final.

Canterbury-Bankstown's excellent teamwork was the greatest factor in its success. The scores were close until about 20 minutes before the end, and then Canterbury-Bankstown made a final and determined rally. Eastern Suburbs' goal line was attacked continuously. J Gartner, the hero of the match, was enable to cross for two tries in succession, both of which were converted. 

Players celebrated their victory at the referee's smoko on Pitt Street, while the year was rewarding for other reasons - a first Club Championship while the reserve and third grade teams made the semi finals. 

1938 Premiership Team 

Fullback: Tom Kirk
Winger: Edgar Newham
Centre: Alan Brady (c)
Centre: Jim Champion
Winger: Joe Gartner 
Five-Eighth: Jim Duncombe
Halfback: Roy McCarter
Lock: Frank Sponberg
Second Row: Jim McCormack
Second Row: Roy McCallum
Prop: Eddie Burns
Hooker: Roy Kirkaldy
Prop: Henry Porter

Coach: Jim Craig 

Canterbury-Bankstown 19 (Joe Gartner 2, Jim Duncombe tries; Tom Kirk 4, Roy McCarter goals) def Eastern Suburbs 6 (Aidan Cairns, Dick Dunn tries)

1938 Season Statistics