Chris,
I remember that 1967 game like it was yesterday. My father and I were sitting in that small stand in the South Eastern corner between the now defunct Hill and the Bob Stand, which is now at North Sydney Oval.
It was at that stage the happiest day of my life of 13 years at that point.
Like you I hated Saints growing up as they won 11 straight first grade comps, and at least half of the 2 lower grade comps during that period. As you rightly say their fans were quite aloof and that day I saw many of them crying at the full time whistle. We got out of there quickly and quietly fearing a backlash.
Someone mentioned in another post the bald guy known as The Skull. I remember seeing him that day, and I believe he ended up having political connections with the Nazi party. I also believe he was banned for life sometime in the 1980’s.
The winning points will live long in my memory. George Taylforth’s penalty goal kicking towards the Noble Stand from just inside half way and 10 yards in from the right hand touch line, which wasn’t his favoured side.
We had beaten them in the 2nd last round at the old Sydney Sports Ground, but 4 weeks later the expected result was that we would lose, but we were made of sterner stuff than that. Once again in both those games the genius of our full back Les Johns came to the fore.
Do I still hate Saints as much as I did then? No. They are irrelevant.
The Roosters have that crown mainly because if a certain car yard owner, who many in the game have suspicions about.