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Whilst at Ettalong last Saturday, an unusual meeting of yesteryear was spoken about by one of our more recent old mates, Richie Powell.

Richie spoke of the time the former undisputed and undefeated world heavyweight boxing champion, none other than the great Rocky Marciano, came along to one of South Sydney’s first grade training sessions in the mid sixties, and spoke to the players as well as had a photo taken for the Daily Telegraph.

According to Richie, Rocky was a true gentleman, short in stature but with huge hands. He also stated that due to his size, his fighting style was to angle his way towards his opponent and put his face on their chest to nullify their punches so he could clobber them.

He did a pretty good job as history shows 49 fights 49 wins 43 KOs.

His one regret was knocking out Joe Louis who by then was past his prime.

The famous training session photo is below, who do you recognise ???

Well apart from Macca and Satts, thats Richie Powell helping Jimmy Morgan hold up ‘The Rock’.

Richie started playing at Souths in 1956, debuted in first grade in 1958 and scored 10 tries during his first grade career at Souths, playing his final first grade game for the Rabbitohs in 1967.

The highlight of his career was winning the SUN HERALD’s BEST & FAIREST PLAYER OF THE YEAR Award in 1964.

The Sydney Morning Herald article is below…..

Scott Towers-Hammond      28th June 2013

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