In 1946 Churchill was graded with Central in the Newcastle Rugby League competition as a . He represented for Country Seconds in 1946 and came to the attention of Sydney talent scouts. He was signed to South Sydney by their patron Dave Spring and moved to Sydney at the start of the 1947 season. Like many top Australian players, Churchill attracted the attention of English clubs, and was signed by Workington Town for £10,000.See Chesterton, Ray; Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright: The Story of the Balmain Rugby League Club, p. 111 However, an international transfer ban imposed by the ARL in 1948 meant Churchill had to stay in Sydney.
