 In 1947 Rayner was selected as club captain due to his leadership skills and tough performances as a second rower and the club managed nine wins and began to moveup the premiership ladder.In 1949 he was appointed the coach of the club as well as captain and Souths finished as minor-premiers and managed a Grand final appearance going down to St George in 1949 season decider.Souths were by now the main premiership force and under Rayner entered their most successful era.