However, because both Eastern Suburbs and South Sydney finished on equal premiership points in second place, a playoff was used to decide who would play minor premiers Glebe in the final.

Eastern Suburbs ended up beating local rivals South Sydney 23-10 at the Sports Ground in front of 14,000 people on September 2, 1911, to win the play-off in order to play minor premiers Glebe.

[3] Glebe winger Cubitt scored early and Easts were only able to post a penalty goal in the first half and trailed 5–2 at the break.

Played in blustery conditions, Glebe’s form improved greatly but they could not compete with the immaculate kicking of Dally Messenger.

In an incident-packed opening stanza McMahon reduced each side to twelve men by sending off O'Malley and Sid Pert after a touch judge's report.

The ball bounced off dazed Glebe fullback “Bunny” Algie (who had been injured in a headclash in the opening minutes with winger White).

Messenger's field goal six minutes from the bell gave his team the three point buffer at 11–8 and the confidence to hang on and win their first premiership.