1916 NSWRFL season

Three teams dominated the season, Balmain, South Sydney and Glebe. With two rounds to go, each of the three teams had a genuine chance of winning the premiership with each separated by half a win. This created an interesting scenario with Balmain (20 points, first) facing South Sydney (18 points, third) and Glebe (19 points, second) facing Eastern Suburbs who were placed fourth at the time. As it turned out, Balmain lost 11–7 to Souths, leaving the competition wide open for Glebe to take the competition lead by one point. However, Glebe ended up losing crucially to Eastern Suburbs 8–5 on the same day. With both Balmain and Souths now equal on 20 points with one game to play, it would have taken a miracle for Glebe to come back given that they were still on 19 points. All three teams won their final games, but it was equal placed Balmain and South Sydney that would play off in a premiership decider. Teams The teams remained unchanged from the previous season. • Annandale • Balmain, formed on January 23, 1908, at Balmain Town Hall • Eastern Suburbs, formed on January 24, 1908, at Paddington Town Hall • Glebe, formed on January 9, 1908 • Newtown, formed on January 14, 1908 • North Sydney, formed on February 7, 1908 • South Sydney, formed on January 17, 1908, at Redfern Town Hall • Western Suburbs, formed on February 4, 1908 Ladder ==Final==

Having won all three grades in 1915 Balmain returned in 1916 to repeat the effort for a second straight season. At the conclusion of the season Balmain and Souths were equal aloft the premiership ladder with 22 points apiece. The League did not expect such a finish and a Final had to be scheduled. This Final was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground where they were to be held for many years to come. The game played on July 26, 1916, in front of just six thousand people, saw the lead change three times in the first half with Balmain ahead 5–3 at the break after a try by Arthur Halloway and a penalty goal by Charles “Chook” Fraser. The second half saw the game played predominantly on Balmain's line, with South Sydney putting on repeated attacks. However, the Balmain defence never gave in and the score didn't change by game's end – a two-point margin securing Balmain's second consecutive title. Balmain 5 (Try: Arthur Halloway. Goal: Charles Fraser) defeated South Sydney 3 (Try: Gordon Vaughan ) Image:Bob Craig 1911.jpg|Bob Craig File:Jim Craig Australian Rugby League.jpg|Jim Craig Image:Arthur Halloway.jpg|Pony Halloway Image:Ricketty Johnston 1921.jpg |Ricketty Johnston Image: Billy Cann 1911.jpg |Bill Cann Image: Charles Fraser - rugby league player.jpg| Chook Fraser ==References==