 Financial problems started to hit Souths and key players from their grand final sides of the early '70s headed to either Manly (John O'Neill, Ray Branighan, Bob Moses) or Easts (Ron Coote, Michael Cleary, Elwyn Walters).Both those clubs achieved some success after buying these champions that Souths had produced - Manly were winless until 1972, while Easts hadn't won a premiership since 1900.Souths Leagues Club's doors were closed in 1973 but a 'Save Our Souths' campaign ensured the Rabbitohs survived.