AUSTRALIAN Rugby League was in crisis after Great Britain regained the Ashes and crowds in Sydney fell by 200,000 two thirds of the way through the club season.

The touring British Lions won the third and deciding Test 21-17 against Australia, with the final score flattering the home side.

Britain scored five tries to one, with Australia staying in the contest thanks to the goal kicking of Sydney Easts’ fullback, Allan McKean in his Test debut.

The Courier-Mail’s Jack Reardon wrote that Britain would have scored eight or nine tries except for the magnificent cover defence of Australian lock, Ron Coote.