1948 NSWRFL season

When Balmain’s young stars of 1946 and 1947 Pat Devery and Harry Bath left for big money offers in England it seemed doubtful that the Tigers would be able to continue their run of success. However Balmain gave themselves every chance to achieve their third title in a row and made it through to the Grand Final match up against Wests. Teams • Balmain, formed on January 23, 1908, at Balmain Town Hall • Canterbury-Bankstown • Eastern Suburbs, formed on January 24, 1908, at Paddington Town Hall • Manly-Warringah • Newtown, formed on January 14, 1908 • North Sydney, formed on February 7, 1908 • Parramatta, formed in November 1946 • South Sydney, formed on January 17, 1908, at Redfern Town Hall • St. George, formed on November 8, 1920, at Kogarah School of Arts • Western Suburbs, formed on February 4, 1908 Ladder ==Finals==

In Balmain’s preliminary final match up with St George, Balmain winger Arthur Patton refused to leave the field whilst injured as the Tigers held on to win 13–12. At game’s end it was found that he had a broken leg. Grand Final After rainy conditions the Grand Final was played on a soft Sydney Sports Ground surface. The Tigers led the game until the final quarter when a 40-metre run by Wests’ second rower Kevin Hansen saw him tackled right on the tryline. The referee awarded the try and Wests held an 8–5 break until full-time to record their third premiership win. Western Suburbs Magpies 8 (Tries: Hudson, Hansen. Goals: Keato) defeated Balmain Tigers 5 (Tries: Bourke. Goals: Bourke) ==Player statistics==

The following statistics are as of the conclusion of Round 18. Top 5 point scorers Top 5 try scorers Top 5 goal scorers == References ==