With the NRL grand final on this weekend, we take a look back at the last time Western Suburbs played in a grand final. The year was 1963 when Wests took on St George at a muddy Sydney Cricket Ground. It was from this game that the famous photograph was taken of Norm Provan and Arthur Summons that is now immortalised on the NRL trophy.
Saints conceded their first grand final try since 1958 when Wests centre Gil McDougall scored. As the match developed, it was clear that Wests had a game plan which involved a focus of intimidation on Reg Gasnier. McDougall and other Magpies punched, stiff-armed and kneed Gasnier at every opportunity. He was consequently subdued throughout the game.
St George led 5-0 at half-time and went on to win 8-3 with tries coming from George Evans and Johnny King.
The game was ultimately the Dragons' most controversial win in their 11-year run since the story has passed into Australian rugby league folklore that St George benefitted from dubious decisions made by referee Darcy Lawler.
Wests player Jack Gibson later claimed that he entered the St George dressing room and was told that the ref had backed the Saints to win. Western Suburbs had a try disallowed just before half-time and were penalised 18-7. Lawler retired after the game.
Western Suburbs: Don Parish, John Mowbray, Bob McGuineess, Gil MacDougall, Peter Dimond, Arthur Summons (c), Don Malone, Kevin Smyth, John Hayes, Kel O'Shea, Denis Meaney, Noel Kelly, Jack Gibson.
Coach: Jack Fitzgerald.
St George: Graeme Langlands, Johnny King, Reg Gasnier, Billy Smith, Eddie Lumsden, Bruce Pollard, George Evans, John Raper, Elton Rasmussen, Norm Provan (c), Kevin Ryan, Ian Walsh, Monty Porter.
Coach: Norm Provan
