South Sydney Rabbitohs

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are a professional Australian rugby league club based in Redfern, a suburb of inner-southern Sydney, New South Wales.[1] They participate in the National Rugby League (NRL) premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital, Sydney. They are often called Souths or The Bunnies.

South Sydney Rabbitohs
Club information
Full nameSouth Sydney District Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)
Official
Rabbitohs, Souths
Colloquial
Bunnies, Rabbits, The Red and Green, The Cardinal and Myrtle, The Pride of the League,
Colours  Cardinal Red
  Myrtle green
  White
  Black
Founded17 January 1908 (1908-01-17)
Websiterabbitohs.com.au
Current details
Ground(s)
CEOBlake Solly
ChairmanNick Pappas
CoachJason Demetriou
CaptainCameron Murray
2023 season9th
Current season
Uniforms
Home colours
Away colours
Records
Premierships21 (1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 2014)
Runners-up14 (1910, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1949, 1952, 1965, 1969, 2021)
Minor premierships17 (1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1989)
Wooden spoons8 (1945, 1946, 1962, 1975, 1990, 2003, 2004, 2006)
Most capped336 – John Sutton
Highest try scorer187 – Alex Johnston
Highest points scorer1,896 – Adam Reynolds
Arthur Hennessy, South Sydney's first captain and coach
Jack Rayner c. 1949, Premiership player and coach

The club was formed in 1908, as one of the founding members of the New South Wales Rugby Football League, making them one of Australia's oldest rugby league teams. The Rabbitohs were formed, under their original 1908 articles of association, with the NSWRL competition, to represent the Sydney municipalities of Redfern, Alexandria, Zetland, Waterloo, Mascot and Botany. They are one of only two NSW foundation clubs still present in the NRL, the other being the Sydney Roosters.[note 1]

The Rabbitohs' traditional heartland covers the once typically working-class suburbs of inner-south Sydney. The club is based in Redfern, where the club's administration and training facilities are located, however they have long held a wide supporter base spread all over New South Wales. The team's home ground is currently Stadium Australia in Sydney Olympic Park. South Sydney are the most successful professional team in the history of Australian rugby league with twenty-one first grade premierships.

History
Main article: History of the South Sydney Rabbitohs

Origins

The South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club was formed at a meeting on 17 January 1908 at Redfern Town Hall[2] when administrator J. J. Giltinan, cricketer Victor Trumper and politician Henry Hoyle gathered together in front of a large crowd of supporters.[3] The club played in the first round of the newly formed New South Wales Rugby League, defeating North Sydney 11–7 at Birchgrove Oval on 20 April 1908.[3][4] The team went on to win the inaugural premiership then successfully defended their title in the 1909 season, winning the Grand Final by default.[5] During these early years Arthur Hennessy was considered the "founding father" of the South Sydney rugby league club. A hooker and prop forward, Hennessy was Souths' first captain and coach. He was also New South Wales' first captain and Australia's first test captain in 1908. S. G. "George" Ball became Club Secretary in 1911 after Arthur Hennessy stood down from the position, and he remained in that capacity for over fifty years, only retiring a few years before his death in 1969.

NSWRFL & ARL (1908–1997)

After further premiership success in 1914 and 1918, South Sydney won seven of the eight premierships from 1925 to 1932, missing out only in 1930. The 1925 side went through the season undefeated[6] and is only one of six Australian premiership sides in history to have achieved this feat. Such was Souths' dominance in the early years of the rugby league competition that the Rabbitohs were labelled "The Pride of the League".[2][7]

South Sydney struggled between 1940–1948. South Sydney's longest losing streak of 22 games was during the period 1945–1947. In the 1945 season they only managed to win one game while in 1946 they were unable to win a single game.

1950s golden era (1949–1957)

1949 would mark the beginning of almost a decade of great success for South Sydney, winning five of the six premierships from 1950 to 1955, and losing the 1949 Grand Final against St. George, and also the 1952 Grand Final against Western Suburbs in controversial circumstances. The 1951 side's point scoring feat in their 42–14 victory over Manly-Warringah[8] remains the highest score by a team in a Grand Final and "the miracle of '55"[9][10] involved South Sydney winning 11 straight sudden death matches to win the premiership. Players that were involved in these years included Denis Donoghue, Jack Rayner, Les "Chicka" Cowie, Johnny Graves, Ian Moir, Greg Hawick, Ernie Hammerton, Bernie Purcell and Clive Churchill. Churchill, nicknamed "the Little Master" for his brilliant attacking fullback play, is universally regarded as one of the greatest ever Australian rugby league players.

In the late 1950s Souths began a poor run of form failing to make the finals from 1958 to 1964, during this time receiving the 1962 wooden spoon.

More premiership success (1965–1971)

In 1965 a talented young side made the Grand Final against St. George who were aiming to secure their tenth straight premiership. The young Rabbitohs were not overawed by the Dragons' formidable experience and in front of a record crowd of 78,056[11] at the Sydney Cricket Ground, they went down narrowly 12–8.[12] The nucleus of this side went on to feature in Australian representative teams for the next six years and ensured another golden period for South Sydney making five successive grand finals from 1967 to 1971, winning four. Bob McCarthy, John O'Neill, Eric Simms, Ron Coote, Mike Cleary and John Sattler from 1965 were later joined by Elwyn Walters, Ray Branighan, Paul Sait, Gary Stevens and coach Clive Churchill to form a fearsome combination before internal strife and poaching by other clubs from 1972 onwards unravelled the star studded pack.[13] From this period comes part of South's and Australian Rugby League folklore when in the 1970 premiership decider against Manly, captain John Sattler inspired the side to victory playing out 70 minutes of the match with his jaw broken[14] in three places after being king hit by Manly prop John Bucknall.[15][16]

Financial trouble and exclusion (1972–1999)

Financial problems started to hit Souths in the early 1970s, forcing some players to go to other clubs. The licensed Leagues Club, traditionally such an important revenue provider to all first grade league sides, was closed in 1973 but a "Save Our Souths" campaign ensured the club survived. "Super Coach"[note 2] Jack Gibson's arrival turned the club's form, winning the pre-season competition in 1978.[3] The club captured victories in the mid-week Tooth Cup competition in 1981[17] and in the pre-season "Sevens" competition in 1988.[3] The Rabbitohs made the finals on five occasions in the 1980s, including a dominant season to finish as minor premiers in 1989.[3] The 1989 season proved to be the club's most successful in years, but was also the last time the club reached the finals until 2007. The following season the Rabbitohs finished as wooden spooners.

The club stayed afloat in the 1990s despite major financial problems. Souths' only success came in 1994 when they won the pre-season competition, defeating the Brisbane Broncos 27–26 in the final.[3] The Super League War and the eventual formation of the National Rugby League affected the club greatly when it was determined in 1998 that the newly formed competition would be contracted to 14 teams for the 2000 season. Following a series of mergers by other teams,[note 3] and a planned merger with Cronulla-Sutherland was met with staunch opposition from both clubs,[18] South Sydney failed to meet the National Rugby League's selection criteria to compete in the competition and were subsequently excluded from the premiership at the end of the 1999 season.

South Sydney Rabbitohs shareholder, actor Russell Crowe.

Fight for readmission

In 2000 and 2001, South Sydney fought their way back into the competition following a string of high-profile legal battles[19] against the National Rugby League and News Limited.[20] A number of well attended public rallies took place during this time, as supporters from many different clubs got behind South Sydney's case. Upon appeal to the Federal Court in 2001,[21] South Sydney won readmission into the premiership for the 2002 season.[22]

National Rugby League (2002–present)

After being readmitted, the Rabbitohs were initially unsuccessful in the premiership, finishing amongst the bottom three teams for five seasons straight including three wooden spoons. Following this, the club was taken over by actor Russell Crowe and businessman Peter Holmes à Court in 2006.[23] In the 2007 season the Rabbitohs played in their first finals campaign since 1989.[24]

Broncos vs Rabbitohs 2008

May 2008 saw the sudden resignation of the then current executive chairman and CEO, Peter Holmes à Court. He had been appointed to the role of CEO at the start of 2008.[25][26] Reports suggested that Holmes à Court had been forced to stand down after his relationship with Russell Crowe had deteriorated beyond repair.[27][28][29][30][31]

Warriors v Rabbitohs 2009

The South Sydney Rabbitohs celebrated their centenary year during the 2008 National Rugby League season. That year they were named the National Trust's inaugural 'Community Icon', in recognition of the club's significant longstanding contribution to sport and sporting culture at both state and national levels.[32]

Return to premiership success

The arrival of Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis to the club in the early 2010s saw the Rabbitohs rise to the top of the ladder. Following consecutive preliminary final exits in 2012 and 2013, they defeated the Roosters in the 2014 preliminary final to advance to their first grand final since their successful 1971 campaign.

Following a slim 6–0 lead in the first half of the 2014 grand final, Souths scored four second half tries to defeat Canterbury 30–6. This was the Rabbitohs first premiership win in 43 years.[33] Sam Burgess received the Clive Churchill medal despite playing the entire match with a fractured cheekbone, suffered from a head clash during the first tackle of the match.[34]

Following the premiership victory, South Sydney were presented with the Keys to the City of Randwick by Mayor Ted Seng at a presentation ceremony at Souths Juniors in Kingsford and later the same day awarded the Keys to the City of Sydney by Lord Mayor Clover Moore at a reception at Sydney Town Hall.

On 23 October 2014, Holmes à Court sold his 50% share of Blackcourt League Investments Pty Limited, and consequently his 37.5% stake in South Sydney, to James Packer's ScrumPac Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Packer's Consolidated Press Holdings.[35]

After elimination early in the 2015 finals series[36], a 9-game winning streak in 2018 saw the Rabbitohs return to premiership contention[37]. This season marked the start of five consecutive preliminary finals appearances in the late 2010s and early 2020s. After losses in consecutive years to the Roosters, Raiders[38], and Panthers[39], South Sydney defeated the Sea Eagles in 2021 to advance to the grand final against Penrith.

With the game poised at 8–8 in the second half, Cody Walker threw a pass that was intercepted by Panthers winger Stephen Crichton who scored untouched. Souths scored in the final five minutes of the match, but halfback Adam Reynolds missed the conversion from the sideline and a subsequent field-goal attempt, either of which would have seen the game tied. Penrith won the game 14–12.[40] The Panthers defeated the Rabbitohs in the 2022 preliminary final, ending their season for the third year in a row.[41]

Prior to the 2022 season, Atlassian founder Mike Cannon-Brookes became a partial owner of the Rabbitohs by buying one third of the management firm alongside Crowe and Packer. Together, these three own 75% of the Rabbitohs; the remaining 25% of the club is owned by fans.[42]

Emblem

The club mascot is the rabbitoh, a now-disused term that was commonly used in the early 20th century to describe hawkers who captured and skinned rabbits and then sold the meat at markets,[43] so named because they would shout "rabbit-oh!" around the markets and suburbs to attract buyers. The club is also informally referred to as the Rabbits, Bunnies or Souths.

Exactly how South Sydney came to be known as the Rabbitohs is unknown. According to one version of events, dating from pre-schism days at the turn of the 20th century, some of the club's players earned some extra money on Saturday mornings as rabbit-oh men, staining their jerseys with rabbit blood in the process; when they played in those blood stained jumpers that afternoon, opponents from wealthier rugby clubs did not always appreciate the aroma and would mockingly repeat the "Rabbitoh!" cry.[44] Another version was that the term was a disparaging reference by opposing teams to South's home ground being plagued with "rabbit 'oles"; in those early days Redfern Oval was then known as Nathan's Cow Paddock.[2] A third version claims the Rabbitoh name was adopted from that of the touring Australian rugby union teams of the early 1900s who were nicknamed "Rabbits" prior to discarding the name in 1908 in favour of the moniker "Wallabies".[45]

The "Rabbitoh" emblem, a running white rabbit, first appeared on the team's jersey in 1959. The Rabbitoh emblem has in various forms been carried as the club's crest on every player's jersey ever since. The original "Rabbitoh" emblem design that appeared on the team's jerseys throughout the 1960s and 1970s has now been incorporated on the current jersey.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs celebrated their centenary year during 2008. The club released a centenary emblem to commemorate the occasion. To also coincide with the centenary year, Souths opted to alter their logo by removing the red and green oval from their emblem for a solid white rabbit with the words South Sydney Rabbitohs set in uppercase type.

Colours

South Sydney has used cardinal red and myrtle green colours on its playing jerseys for the vast majority of the club's history. Prior to the establishment of the rugby league club in 1908, the South Sydney rugby union team originally wore a red and green hooped jersey. Some sources have suggested that this combination of colours was due to the local rugby union club being nicknamed the "Redfern Waratahs". The first British inhabitants had often called the waratah a "red fern" instead, hence giving the suburb its name, and ultimately the local rugby club its emblem. Red and green dominate the colours of the waratah and hence, possibly, the South Sydney Rugby League Football Club adopted these colours for their jerseys.[45] However, the suburb of Redfern was named in honour of William Redfern, one of the first doctors of the colony, who treated convicts and poor settlers as well as the wealthy.

The club's jersey has been a hooped-styled one comprising alternating red and green, and has been used for the vast majority of the club's history.[46] In 1945 and 1946 the club broke with this tradition and used a green design with a red "V" around the collar, before reverting to the original hoop style. From 1980 to 1984 the team played in a strip which saw the inclusion of white hoops within a predominately green design with a central red stripe and was affectionately known as the "Minties"[47] jersey (so-called due to its apparent similarity to the wrapper design of the popular sweet). With the introduction of "away" jerseys towards the end of the 20th century, the club initially introduced a predominantly white jersey for away matches which was changed to a predominantly black one for the 2006 season.

Before the start of the 2007 season, the club announced that the away jersey would be styled identically to the traditional home jersey, with the exception of sponsorship and the rabbit emblem, which has been styled similarly to the one that initially featured on jerseys in the 1960s.[48] For season 2009, the rabbit emblem is black for home matches whilst the emblem is the original white for away matches.[49]

The playing shorts worn were historically black, though in the late 1970s the club adopted green shorts with a red vertical stripe. This was then superseded by the white shorts of the "Minties" outfit. When the club subsequently reverted to their traditional playing strip, the decision was made to wear black shorts once more. In 2008 the Rabbitohs wore white shorts to match the white stripe running down the side of their jersey.

  • South Sydney Rabbitohs – Jerseys
  • 1908
    1908
  • 1909–1944, 1947–1958
    1909–1944, 1947–1958
  • 1945–1946
    1945–1946
  • 1959–1964
    1959–1964
  • 1965–1974
    1965–1974
  • 1975–1976
    1975–1976
  • 1977–1979
    1977–1979
  • 1980–1984
    1980–1984
  • 1985–1993
    1985–1993
  • 1994–1996
    1994–1996
  • 1997–1999
    1997–1999
  • 2002–2006
    2002–2006
  • 2007–2008
    2007–2008

Geographic area

The South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club (precursor to the current corporate entity) was formed, under the original 1908 articles of association with the NSWRL competition, to represent the Sydney municipalities of Alexandria, Botany, Mascot, Waterloo, Maroubra and Zetland.

Souths have a proud history of Indigenous players from the local district clubs including La Perouse United, Redfern All Blacks and Indigenous recruits from Country NSW.

Stadium

During the early years of the New South Wales Rugby League premiership, "home games" were not assigned very often. However, South Sydney played most of their games at the Royal Agricultural Society Ground (Sydney Showground) from 1908 until the club's departure in 1920. From 1911 onwards, the Sydney Sports Ground was also used interchangeably with the Agricultural Ground over a decade for hosting matches.[50] In 1947 the club played its final season at the Sports Ground, before relocating to Redfern Oval in 1948.[51] It was here that team played in the heart of the club's territory and played the vast majority of its allocated home matches.

Stadium Australia, the Rabbitohs current home ground.

In 1988, the club began to play in the Sydney Football Stadium,[52] just built upon the former Sydney Sports Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground No. 2 Oval. The side continued to play here up until 2005, with the exception of 2000 and 2001 when South Sydney was absent from the premiership. During 2004–2005, when the Rabbitoh's contract with Sydney Football Stadium was about to expire, new home grounds were investigated at Gosford, North Sydney Oval and Telstra Stadium. Eventually the decision was made to relocate to Telstra Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park. The move was generally not well received by the fans,[53][54] but provided considerably more income for the club, which was several million dollars in the red at the end of 2005.[55]

Redfern Oval, Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers pre-season trial game, 8 February 2009.

In 2006, the club relocated home games to Stadium Australia in Sydney's west (known as Telstra Stadium until the conclusion of 2007). In February 2008, the Rabbitohs renewed their partnership with Stadium Australia (which was then known as ANZ Stadium) to play NRL home games and home finals at the venue for the next 10 years, commencing season 2008. The agreement ran until the end of 2017, superseding the inaugural three-year home ground arrangement at ANZ Stadium that started in 2006.

As well as their main home ground, South Sydney also play home games at the Sunshine Coast Stadium and at the Central Coast Stadium during the year.

During 2008 the City of Sydney Council[56] completed a $19.5 million upgrade and renovation of Redfern Oval. From season 2009, the upgraded Redfern Oval provided the Rabbitohs with training facilities and a venue for hosting pre-season and exhibition matches.

In 2023, the Rabbitohs relocated their headquarters and first team training facilities from Redfern Oval to the Heffron Centre,[57] a $58M community sporting complex in Maroubra owned by Randwick City Council.[58] The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ $26M Community and High Performance Centre provides training facilities for the NRL, Women’s and NSW Cup teams, as well as facilities for the administrative, commercial and Souths Cares staff members.

Supporters

The South Sydney Rabbitohs continue to have a large supporter base in their traditional areas of South-eastern Sydney, despite having moved from Redfern Oval two decades ago, while also enjoying wide support throughout other rugby league playing centres around the country.[59] The official South Sydney supporter group is known as "The Burrow".[60]

South Sydney at one stage had the highest football club membership in the National Rugby League, with membership exceeding 35,000 as of June 23, 2015. That member number also included more than 11,000 ticketed members, the highest of the Sydney-based NRL clubs. Following the conclusion of the 2021 NRL season, new figures showed South Sydney to have the second highest membership of Sydney NRL clubs behind Parramatta.[61]

It was announced during the 2010 Charity Shield game that both St. George Illawarra and Souths had exceeded the 10,000 milestone, making the 2010 season the first time two Sydney clubs had entered the season with 10,000 ticketed members each. The club had members from every state in Australia and international members in 22 countries. Football club membership peaked at some 22,000 when the club was re-admitted to the National Rugby League for season 2002.[62]

"Group 14", a collection of club backers including businessmen, politicians, musicians and media personalities, was formed before the Rabbitohs' exclusion from the NRL in 1999.[63] Members include Anthony Albanese, Laurie Brereton, Michael Cheika, Rodger Corser, Michael Daley, Andrew Denton, Cathy Freeman, Nick Greiner, Deirdre Grusovin, Ron Hoenig, Ray Martin, Mikey Robins, and Mike Whitney.[64][65] They contributed to South Sydney's bid for reinstatement, following the club's exclusion from the competition at the end of the 1999 season. A sustained campaign of public support that year, unprecedented in Australian sporting history, saw 40,000 people[66] attended a rally in the Sydney CBD in support of South Sydney's cause.[67][68] In 2000 and 2001, public street marches took place in Sydney with in excess of 80,000 people rallying behind the Rabbitohs.[22] The club also has a number of high-profile supporters as well, many of whom were dominant figures in their battle to be readmitted into the premiership in 2000 and 2001.[69][70] In 2007, supporters set a new club record for attendance with an average home crowd figure of 15,702 being the highest ever since the introduction of the home and away system in 1974.[71]

Notable supporters

South Sydney have many notable supporters, many of whom have engaged with the club through the ownership of Russell Crowe.

Source:[74][75][76]

Reggie the Rabbit

Reggie the Rabbit is the Rabbitohs' mascot. The mascot first appeared in lifesize form in 1968 after celebrity fan Don Lane brought back a suit from the US in time for the 1968 grand final against Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, won by the Rabbitohs 13–9. Perhaps the most notable of the early Reggies was the club's groundsman Reg Fridd. Standing just over four feet tall, the Rabbitohs lured the diminutive New Zealander from a touring production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the same troupe that had yielded the second Reggie, Roscoe Bova, killed in a car accident in the early 1970s. Most teams in the National Rugby League maintain mascots. During 2000 and 2001, when Souths was excluded from the NRL, Anth Courtney was Reggie Rabbit appearing at the second Town Hall rally and at games at Redfern Oval as well as being active in travelling extensively around the state to attend fundraisers as Reggie Rabbit.[77][78][79][80]

South Sydney Leagues Club
Souths Juniors on Anzac Parade in Kingsford

The Juniors

The Juniors aka Souths Juniors on Anzac Parade in Kingsford, New South Wales has been the club's leagues club since the old Souths Leagues closed in 2013.[81][82][83] The club is owned by the South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League.

Juniors at the Junction

Juniors @ The Junction (Since 2009) – The result of a merger with South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club (Kingsford) and the struggling Maroubra Returned and Services League (RSL) Club. The club is on the site of the former Maroubra RSL club on Anzac Parade and Haig Street.[84]

The Juniors on Hawkesbury

The Juniors on Hawkesbury (Since 2008) – in the Hawkesbury River[85]

South Sydney Leagues Club

The South Sydney Leagues Club, colloquially known as Souths Leagues, was the club's official leagues club. The club closed in 2013 after being placed into administration with large debts.[82][83]

Culture and tradition

In 1999 Russell Crowe bought the foundation bell at the Red and Green Ball for the club.[86][87][88]

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

The club's most well known song is played when the team runs out for home games and after victories at home. Originally recorded in 1967 [7] by the Will Dower Sounds as "South's Victory Song" [sic], "Glory, Glory to South Sydney" is one of the best-known NRL team songs, prominently featuring in promotional materials, merchandise and even the #GGTSS hashtag.

The original version was written when there were 10 clubs in the NSWRFL premiership, and predates the admission of Penrith and Cronulla-Sutherland for the 1967 season, despite its release date.

The song is likely to have been inspired by Glory Glory (football chant), sharing Battle Hymn of the Republic's tune and coincided with the club's most recent "golden era". While the NSWRFL premiership had been won for 11 consecutive seasons by the St. George Dragons, the Rabbitohs had a strong team and won the 1967 NSWRFL premiership, going back-to-back in 1968 and winning all but one Grand Final between then and 1971.

The song was heavily played and featured in the club's "fightback" effort when they were excluded from the 14-team NRL seasons in 2000 and 2001. In 2004, Allan Caswell wrote an updated and modernised version, referencing the 15 teams in the NRL Telstra Premiership at the time, which was played at home games for several years before being replaced by the original.

Somewhat controversially, whilst sponsored by Real Insurance in 2005 and 2006, the club made their entrance to a version of The Real Thing as a tie-in. Upon the expiration of the deal, the club reverted to "Glory Glory", but this time a modernised pop version incorporating only the chorus and "South Sydney" chant sung by a female vocalist.

As of 2023, the original 1967 version is used officially by the club[17] and featured at the club's 2014 and 2021 Grand Final appearances.

1967 Lyrics[9] 2004 Lyrics[11]
South Sydney marches on!

Chorus:

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

South Sydney marches on

When speaking of the champions, one stands above the rest

Of glories old and records proud, when often put to test

Of fine traditions, history, that others cannot best

They wear the Red and Green

Chorus

They mauled the Balmain Tigers

Slew the Dragons from St. George

The Seagulls and the Mounties next

Were crushed by mighty force

They humbled Parramatta

And the Berries in due course

They wear the Red and Green

Chorus

They plucked the Western Magpies

Slashed the Newtown bag of blue

The Eastern Suburbs Rooster crowed

And then was conquered too

The greatest name in any game

Within South Sydney grew

They wear the Red and Green

Chorus x2

South Sydney marches on!

 South Sydney marches on!

Chorus:

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

Glory, Glory to South Sydney

South Sydney marches on

When you speak of champions, the Rabbits stand alone

Others come and others go, pretenders to the throne

We’re standing by our record, it’s been tested to the bone

We wear the Red and Green

Chorus

We’re marching on the road to glory like we’ve always done before

The Tigers and the Panthers: we’ve taken out their claws

The Roosters and the Eagles with their feathers on the floor

We wear the Red and Green

Chorus

The Melbourne Storm, Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels

The Warriors and the Cowboys, they all know how it feels

The Bulldogs and the Raiders and the Knights know we’re for real

We wear the Red and Green

Chorus

We’ll meet the Broncos up in Brisbane and we’ll play them, tough and strong

We’ll fire up for the Dragons at Kogarah or the ‘Gong

We’ll hail the mighty Rabbitohs with our famous victory song

We wear the Red and Green!

Chorus x2

South Sydney marches on!

Victory song

The Rabbitohs' victory song (also known as the "player's song"[12]) appears to be of pre-WWII origin, but awareness has grown over the years and especially around the passing of club legend John Sattler, whose performances of the song around the club's 2014 and 2021 NRL Grand Final in various media have become somewhat iconic within the South Sydney community and were played after the club's win the week after his passing.

The lyrics have varied over the year in a form of Oral tradition - the current version sung by the players after a win only features the first verse/stanza, preceded recently (in 2023) by a player or special guest calling out "If You're Happy and You Know It", responded en masse with claps.

The tune of the song differs by segment - the main part as still sung, according to John Sattler's version, is based on the melody of The Stars and Stripes Forever.

Current lyrics
And now that we're all around the bar

And the Captain's declared it a quorum

We are drinking our way through the night

And we're having the time of our lives

Throw the empties away, start again!

Start again!

For the boys of South Sydney are together

And we'll drink 'til the dawn breaks again!

May the sessions of South Sydney last forever

Up the Rabbitohs!

The version of the song that appears to have been sung during John Sattler's time at the club, that has since become well-known, features the same opening stanza as the current version (sans the closing "Up the Rabbitohs!" catchcry), sung to the tune of The Stars and Stripes Forever, followed by the following lyrics to the tune of Notre Dame's Victory March.

Second verse as sung by Sattler Alternate second verse[14]
To the tune of the Notre Dame Victory MarchOh, we never stagger, we never fall

We sober up on pure alcohol

While our loyal sons are marching

Up to the bar for more!

 To the tune of The Stars and Stripes ForeverAnd now that the beer has all gone

And we're wending our way slowly homeward

We're singing this happy refrain

To the girls that we'll meet once again

For we know that we always can go

To the club where the good beer's always flowing

And we'll drink 'til the dawn breaks again!

May the sessions of South Sydney last forever

Up the Rabbitohs!

The following lyrics have also been performed by Sattler in interviews, to various tunes

Further verses as sung by Sattler
And we'll guzzle, guzzle, guzzle

And we'll tip it down our muzzle

And sing out the order loud and clear: more beer!

We'll drink all night

Until we're very tight

In the sheds of wherever we are

We've got six hefty forwards

And seven greasy backs

And plenty of Rabbit barrackers to keep the bludgers back

When the skin and hair is flying and the slaughter has begun

Three cheers for the good old Rabbitohs for the victory we have won!

Botany Road

The Burrow (supporters' group) began singing a chant to the tune of Take Me Home, Country Roads during the club's resurgence in the 2010s, generally reserving this chant for when victory was assured within 5 minutes of full time.

Flags, banners and scarves bearing Botany Road are found throughout South Sydney's supporters at games, referencing the eponymous road that runs through the heart of the South Sydney geographical area.

The song is now an iconic part of the Rabbitohs fan experience, especially during rivalry and Finals Series games. The early repetitions are normally sung at a slow and deliberate pace a capella, with the pace increasing closer to full time and supporters clapping along as the time runs down.

Lyrics[16]
Take me home, Botany Road

To the place I belong

Back to Redfern, South Sydney

Take me home, Botany Road!

The Burrow chants

The Burrow have numerous Football chants, both in support of the club and its players as well as against rivals. Some of the most prominent songs and chants, as found in their songbooks, include "South Sydney 'Til I Die", "Rabbitohs", the aforementioned "Botany Road" and several player-based songs, including a version of Whole Again in appreciation of Damien Cook.

The Burrow also gather in their bay to sing their own version of Under the Southern Cross I Stand after Rabbitohs victories, adapted from the Australian national cricket team.

Fightback-era songs

During the club's exile, numerous supporters of the club contributed songs to raise awareness of their plight and to serve as a fundraiser through the sale of "The Glory of South Sydney" CD and VHS.

Allan Caswell and Mark Egan penned "Souths Can Stand Alone", which was performed at several fundraisers and protests. The song claims "if they dump South Sydney, they're dumping Rugby League" and thanks George Piggins for his efforts. A music video featuring a montage of South Sydney moments and heroes was included on the VHS version.

Caswell himself became a prominent figure in the campaign, creating several satirical or parody versions of well-known songs, including the club's own "Glory Glory", in protest of News Corp Australia and the National Rugby League's decision to exclude South Sydney from the 2000 and future seasons.

Other contributions included "Glory in their Eyes", a song by John Maclean that touches on the long period since Souths' last premiership and the struggle of long-time Souths supporters having to accept the loss of their club, "Rabbitohs" by Daniel Lissing which concludes with the line "South Sydney marches on" in defiance of their exclusion, as well as "Calling All Rabbits" which was constructed from commentary and news soundbytes relating to famous moments on-field, the fight to remain in and return to NRL competition and the like.

Other songs

One of the more famous South Sydney inspired songs in recent years is "The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw" by Perry Keyes and later covered by The Whitlams and the Black Stump Band, referencing not only the famous heroics of John Sattler in the 1970 Grand Final, but also life in 1970s Australia and inner-city Sydney. The song's chorus incorporates Frank Hyde's famous "if it's high enough, if it's long enough, it's straight between the posts" commentary.

A Rabbitohs fan covered Eddie Vedder's song All the Way, adapting the original's references to the Chicago Cubs' century-long struggle to win their next World Series to South Sydney's exclusion and long premiership drought, and the ending of that drought in 2014. The Cubs would win their first World Series since 1908 (also the year Souths participated and won in the inaugural NSWRFL competition) in 2016.

Several supporters have written songs of their own, occasionally garnering some interest within the community.

Pre-game, Souths often have a hype package put together as well as team lineups presented to music. Previous choices for these have included Cochise, Kryptonite and Hail to the King, often interpolated with the "South Sydney" chant just prior to the entrance of the players.

Kit sponsors and manufacturers
Year Kit manufacturer Main shirt sponsor Back sponsors Sleeve sponsors Shorts sponsors
1977–1978Classic SportswearVIP Insurance———
1978–1980KLG Sparkplugs
1981–1983100 Pipers Scotch
1984–1985Ignis Refrigerators
1986–1991Smith's Crisps
1992–1994Northwest Airlines Amiga Computers
1995–1997CanonCanon
1998—

Proposed: Souths Juniors (rejected by NRL)

 —
1999Downtown Duty FreeRSL COM
2002International Sports ClothingTV WeekArrive Alive
2003AllightLinddales Personnel
2004 Linddales Personnel

Hopeshore

2005 Real Insurance/Cinderella Man (select fixtures) Real Insurance Linddales Personnel

Westpoint

2006 Real Insurance Real Insurance/Glen Alpine Properties BBX

Bettaplex

2007Firepower (home)/High Concept (away)

Placement alternated on back/sleeves

 Virgin Blue
2008National Australia Bank (home)/De'Longhi (away)

Placement alternated on back

 Trivest
2009–2010State of Play (film)
2011Star City (home)/De'Longhi (away)

Placement alternated on back

 V8 Supercars Kenwood
2012–2013 Star City/The Star (home)/De'Longhi (away)

Placement alternated on back

AFEX (sternum)

 Kenwood Alcatel One Touch
2014 Crown Resorts/Fujitsu Fujitsu
2015–2017 Crown Resorts
2018 Fujitsu/Crown Resorts FujitsuPlayUp
2019Aqualand/Alcatel

Zoom (sternum)

Safe2Pay

TCL/Aqualand

 —
2020 Safe2Pay(R1-2)/Wotif(R3-)

TCL/Aqualand

 Crown Resorts MenulogHostplus
2021Classic Sportswear Aqualand/TCL

Zoom (sternum)

 Menulog/TCL(Home)/Aqualand(Away) Ingenia Holiday Parks
2022 MG Motor/Wotif (sternum) Menulog/Aqualand
2023

Rivalries

A book, The Book of Feuds, chronicling the rivalries of the Rabbitohs with their NRL competitors was written by Mark Courtney at the instigation of Russell Crowe. It has been used as a motivational tool before Souths matches and was later released on sale to the public.[89]

Major

Sydney Roosters – South Sydney and their fans have built up rivalries with other clubs, particularly the Sydney Roosters (Eastern Suburbs), the only other remaining foundation club.[90]

While South Sydney were historically strongly working class, the Roosters were viewed by South’s supporters as ‘Silvertails’ - supported by upper class folk from Sydney’s Eastern suburbs.

South Sydney and the Roosters share inner-Sydney territory, resulting in a strong rivalry since 1908 when Souths beat Eastern Suburbs in the first grand final 14–12. Games between the neighbouring foundation clubs have since formed part of the oldest "local derby" in the competition.[91] The rivalry increased after 1950 due to conflict between junior territories and since the 1970s escalated once more as both clubs drew key players away from each other (Souths lost internationals Ron Coote, Elwyn Walters and Jim Morgan to the Roosters from their last era of premiership winning teams, whilst more recently Souths lured key forwards Bryan Fletcher, Peter Cusack and centre Shannon Hegarty away from the Roosters 2002 premiership winning side) and later Michael Crocker. Other players to run out for both clubs include Ashley Harrison, Luke Keary, Angus Crichton, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Latrell Mitchell. In round 1, 2010, South Sydney and Roosters became the first clubs to play 200 matches against each other. The Sydney Roosters 36–10 victory put the ledger at 105 games won by South Sydney, 90 by the Roosters (Eastern Suburbs) and 5 drawn.[92] In 2014, Souths defeated the Sydney Roosters in the preliminary final to reach their first grand final in 43 years. In 2018, the Sydney Roosters defeated Souths 12–4 in the preliminary final at Allianz Stadium which was the last game to be played at the venue. The crowd of 44,380 was also a ground record.[93] In 2019, the two clubs met in the qualifying final which was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. South Sydney had beaten the Sydney Roosters only a week prior in the final game of the regular season but in the qualifying final, the Roosters won the match 30–6 in a dominant display.

In 2020, the Sydney Roosters managed to record a victory over South Sydney 28–12 in round 3. In the final round of the 2020 NRL season, Souths defeated the Sydney Roosters 60–8. This was the biggest win South Sydney had ever recorded over their rivals eclipsing the previous score set in 1952 when Souths defeated Eastern Suburbs 52–0.[94][95]

Before round 25 of the 2022 NRL season where the two sides were to meet, Sydney Roosters CEO Nick Politis issued a warning to South Sydney stating that the new Sydney Football Stadium has always been the home ground and territory of the Eastern Suburbs club and not South Sydney. Souths had declared they wanted to leave Stadium Australia and make the new Sydney Football Stadium as their home ground. Politis said to Fox Sports “I’ve heard other people say they want to play there because it’s their home, The point is we’ve been there since 1928. We started with the old sports ground and then 30 years with the old Allianz Stadium, Nobody else has played there. For another club to say we want to go there because it’s our home, it’s not their home. The Roosters are the only people that belong there. It’s our true home and it’s very sacred".

Despite Politis claims, the South Sydney club had used the Sydney Sports Ground as a home ground before Eastern Suburbs and the two clubs often ground shared for the first 30 years of its existence at the venue. In the 2022 elimination final, seven players were sin binned which was the most in an NRL era game as South Sydney upset the Sydney Roosters 30-14 ending their season.[96] To celebrate their rivalry, South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters play for the Ron Coote Cup annually.[97]

St George Dragons and St George Illawarra Dragons – The long-standing rivalry against St. George results in the annual Charity Shield match, originally played against the original St. George Dragons and now (since the joint venture formed with Illawarra Steelers) played against the current team, St. George Illawarra.

South Sydney and St. George have met several times in grand finals prior to the joint-venture and being the north-eastern neighbours of St. George, had many fierce encounters. In 2001, South Sydney chairman and club legend George Piggins said there would be no chance of the Charity Shield being revived if Souths were to be included back into the NRL saying "The Dragons: They sold us out". This was in reference to St. George signing an affidavit at the time which included that it would be detrimental if Souths were returned to the competition.[98]

In 2018, both sides met for the first time in a finals match since 1984. Souths won a close semi-final 13–12.[99]

Balmain Tigers – From 1908–1999, South Sydney had a fierce rivalry with Balmain. The rivalry with Balmain began in 1909 when both teams agreed to boycott the final which was being held as curtain raiser to a Kangaroos v Wallabies match. As agreed, Balmain did not turn up. However, Souths did turn up and were officially awarded the Premiership when they kicked off to an empty half of the field.[2][5]

South Sydney would later meet Balmain in the 1916 premiership final which Balmain won 5–3. In 1924, Balmain and Souths met in the grand final which is also the lowest scoring grand final in NSWRL/NRL History. Balmain ran out 3-0 winners with the match only seeing one try.[100] In 1939, Balmain and Souths met once more in the grand final with Balmain winning 33–4. In the 1969 NSWRFL season enmity was again fueled between the clubs with Balmain's controversial[note 4] victory against South Sydney in the grand final that year.[102][103]

Minor

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles – South Sydney first met Manly-Warringah in the 1951 NSWRFL season's Grand Final. South Sydney would win the match 42-14 which as of 2022 is the highest scoring grand final in NSWRL/NRL history. Souths would then meet in the 1968 and 1970 grand finals which South Sydney both won. In the 2013 preliminary final, Souths were looking to reach their first grand final since 1971 when they faced off against Manly. Souths lead the match 14-0 early on but were eventually defeated by Manly 30–20. In the 2021 NRL season, South Sydney and Manly once again met in the preliminary final but on this occasion South Sydney ran out comfortable winners to reach the 2021 NRL Grand Final.[104]

Manly have, since 1970, purchased many of Souths' star players including John O'Neill, Ray Branighan, Ian Roberts,[note 5] and more recently Dylan Walker.[105]

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – A more recent feud that primarily developed in the years 2014 and 2015, following the 2014 NRL Grand Final and a controversial Good Friday match. They were also Grand Finalists in 1967 with South Sydney prevailing 12−10.[106] Annually, South Sydney and Canterbury-Bankstown compete in the Good Friday game, competing for the Good Friday Cup.

Players

Current squad
South Sydney Rabbitohs 2024 squad
Top 30 squad - 2024 NRL season Development list Coaching staff

Head coach

Assistant coaches

  • Ben Hornby
  • Joe O'Callaghan (NRL Assistant Coach/NSW Cup Coach)
  • John Sutton (Development Coach)
  • Andrew Croll (Head of Performance)
Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice captain(s)

Updated: 28 September 2023
Source(s): Rabbitohs squad

Notable players
Further information: South Sydney Rabbitohs players

The Magnificent XIII (2002)

In 2002 on the Rabbitohs' readmission to the competition, The Magnificent XIII,[107] a team consisting of great South Sydney players over the years was selected by a panel of rugby league journalists and former Souths players and coaches. The team consists of 17 players (four being reserves) and a coach representing the South Sydney Rabbitohs Football Club from 1908 through to 2002.

No. Position Player
1 Australia FB Clive Churchill (c)
2 Australia WG Harold Horder
3 Australia CE Ray Branighan
4 Australia CE Paul Sait
5 Australia WG Ian Moir
6 Australia FE Alf Blair
7 Australia HB Bob Grant
8 Australia PR John Sattler
9 Australia HK George Piggins
No. Position Player
10 Australia PR John O'Neill
11 Australia SR Jack Rayner
12 Australia SR Bob McCarthy
13 Australia LK Ron Coote
14 Australia RE Terry Fahey
15 Australia RE Ziggy Niszczot
16 Australia RE Elwyn Walters
17 Australia RE George Treweek
Australia CO Bernie Purcell (coach)

Dream Team (2004)

The Rabbitohs announced the South Sydney Dream Team at a gala dinner held on 29 July, 2004, at the Westin Hotel in Sydney. 17 players were selected in position as well as a coach to represent the South Sydney Football Club from 1908 through to 2004. The team was selected by a group of Rugby League experts, historians and by Rabbitohs fans through a public vote.[108]

No. Position Player
1 Australia FB Clive Churchill
2 Australia WG Harold Horder
3 Australia CE Herb Gilbert
4 Australia CE Paul Sait
5 Australia WG Ian Moir
6 Australia FE Jimmy Lisle
7 Australia HB Bob Grant
8 Australia PR John Sattler (c)
9 Australia HK Elwyn Walters
No. Position Player
10 Australia PR John O'Neill
11 Australia SR George Treweek
12 Australia SR Bob McCarthy
13 Australia LK Ron Coote
14 Australia RE Greg Hawick
15 Australia RE Ray Branighan
16 Australia RE Ian Roberts
17 Australia RE Les Cowie
Australia CO Jack Rayner (coach)

Season summaries

NSWRFL (1908-1994)
Season Ladder position Result
19081stPremiers
19091stPremiers
19102ndRunner-up
19113rdFinals
1912 4th
1913 3rd
1914 1st Premiers
1915 4th
1916 2nd Grand final
1917 2nd
1918 1st Premiers
1919 6th
1920 2nd
1921 5th
1922 4th
1923 2nd Grand final
1924 2nd Grand final
1925 1st Premiers
1926 1st Premiers
1927 1st Premiers
1928 3rd Premiers
1929 1st Premiers
1930 3rd Semi final
1931 2nd Premiers
1932 1st Premiers
1933 3rd Semi final
1934 4th Semi final
1935 2nd Grand final
1936 7th
1937 2nd
1938 2nd Semi final
1939 4th Grand final
1940 6th
1941 7th
1942 5th
1943 5th
1944 4th Semi final
1945 8th Wooden spoon
1946 8th Wooden spoon
1947 7th
1948 7th
1949 1st Grand final
1950 1st Premiers
1951 1st Premiers
1952 3rd Grand final
1953 1st Premiers
1954 2nd Premiers
1955 4th Premiers
1956 3rd Preliminary final
1957 3rd Preliminary final
1958 8th
1959 6th
1960 8th
1961 7th
1962 10th Wooden spoon
1963 9th
1964 5th
1965 4th Grand final
1966 6th
1967 2nd Premiers
1968 1st Premiers
1969 1st Grand final
1970 1st Premiers
1971 2nd Premiers
1972 4th Semi final
1973 7th
1974 5th Qualifying final
1975 12th Wooden spoon
1976 10th
1977 11th
1978 7th
1979 9th
1980 5th Qualifying final
1981 9th
1982 6th
1983 8th
1984 5th Semi final
1985 9th
1986 2nd Semi final
1987 5th Semi final
1988 8th
1989 1st Preliminary final
1990 16th Wooden spoon
1991 14th
1992 14th
1993 14th
1994 9th

ARL (1995-1997)
Season Ladder position Finish
1995 18th
1996 19th
1997 11th

NRL (1998-present)
Season Ladder Finish
1998 18th
1999 12th
2002 14th
2003 15th Wooden spoon
2004 15th Wooden spoon
2005 13th
2006 15th Wooden spoon
2007 7th Semi finals
2008 14th
2009 10th
2010 9th
2011 10th
2012 3rd Preliminary final
2013 2nd Preliminary final
2014 3rd Premiers
2015 7th Elimination final
2016 12th
2017 12th
2018 3rd Preliminary final
2019 3rd Preliminary final
2020 6th Preliminary final
2021 3rd Grand final
2022 7th Preliminary final
2023 9th

Club honours
Further information: South Sydney Rabbitohs competition honours
Premierships
Competition Level Wins Years won
NSWRFL/ARL/NRL First Grade 21 1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 2014
NSW Cup Second Grade 21 1913, 1914, 1917, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1943, 1945, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1966, 1968, 1983, 2023
Jersey Flegg Cup Under 21s 9 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1978, 2019
S. G. Ball Cup Under 18s 10 1965, 1969, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1986, 1994, 1998
Harold Matthews Cup Under 16s 1 1974
NSWRL Women's Women's 2 1996, 1997
Other titles and honours
Competition Level Wins Years won
World Club Challenge World Championship 1 2015
State Championship Second Grade 1 2023
NRL Nines Pre season 1 2015
Ron Coote Cup First Grade 9 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Charity Shield Pre season 23 1984, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023
Finishing positions
Competition Level Wins Years won
NSWRFL/ARL/NRL Minor premiership

(J.J.Giltinan Shield)

 17 1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1989
Runner up 14 1910, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1949, 1952, 1965, 1969, 2021
Wooden spoons 8 1945, 1946, 1962, 1975, 1990, 2003, 2004, 2006

Individual awards

Club Best & Fairest

The George Piggins Medal is the award given to the Rabbitohs player determined to have been the "best and fairest" throughout an NRL season. The inaugural winner of the award in 2003 was Bryan Fletcher. In 2013, John Sutton and Greg Inglis became the first joint winners of the award.[109][110]

George Piggins Medal (first grade)
Main article: George Piggins Medal
SeasonPlayerPosition
2003Bryan FletcherSecond-row
2004Ashley HarrisonLock
2005Peter CusackProp
2006David Fa'alogoSecond-row
2007Roy AsotasiProp
2008Luke StuartProp
2009John SuttonFive eighth
2010 Issac Luke Hooker
2011 Nathan Merritt Wing
2012 John Sutton (2) Five eighth
2013 John Sutton (3) Five eighth
Greg Inglis Fullback
2014 Sam Burgess Lock
2015 Greg Inglis (2) Fullback
2016 Sam Burgess (2) Lock
2017 Sam Burgess (3) Lock
2018 Damien Cook Hooker
2019 Damien Cook (2) Hooker
2020 Cody Walker Five eighth
2021 Cody Walker (2) Five eighth
2022 Junior Tatola Prop
2023 Campbell Graham Centre

Clive Churchill Medal

The Clive Churchill medal is awarded annually to the player adjudged best on ground in the grand final.

* Retrospective medals

Dally M Medal

Awarded annually to the player of the year over the course of the first grade regular season.

Rookie of the Year

Coach of the Year

Team of the Year

NRL Immortals

NRL Hall of Fame

The NRL Hall of Fame recognises the contribution to rugby league in Australia since 1908.

Other distinctions

Statistics and records
For a more comprehensive list, see List of South Sydney Rabbitohs records.

South Sydney are the most successful club in terms of honours and individual player achievements in the history of NSW rugby league.

The club achievements include:

  • The Rabbitohs have won the most first grade premierships (21) during the history of elite rugby league competition in Australia,[111] in addition to the most reserve grade[note 6] premierships (21).
  • The club has the distinction of being the only team to win a premiership in their inaugural season (1908).
  • The club also has the distinction of scoring the most points (42), most tries (8) and most goals (9) in a grand final, all achieved against Manly in 1951.[8]
  • South Sydney's 1925 first grade side is one of six New South Wales sides to ever go through a season undefeated.[6] The club won the premiership in all three grades in 1925, a feat only repeated on three other occasions (Balmain Tigers in 1915 and 1916 and St George Dragons in 1963).
  • In 2008, the Rabbitohs equalled the second biggest comeback in Australian Rugby League history. After being down 28–4 after 53 minutes against the North Queensland Cowboys, the Rabbitohs won the match 29–28.

The club's players have also achieved some notable individual game and point scoring milestones:

  • John Sutton holds the record for the most first grade games for the club, having played 336 matches between 2004 and 2019.
  • Jack Rayner holds the individual record of the most grand final successes as a captain (5) and coach (5) achieved between 1950 and 1955.
  • Adam Reynolds holds the club record for the most points, tallying 1896 points between 2012 and 2021.[112]
  • Eric Simms scored 265 points on his own for South Sydney in 1969 and this tally remains unsurpassed by any other player at the club.[112]
  • Eric Simms still holds a club and competition record for the most goals (112 goals and 19 field goals) in a season, most career field goals (86) and most field goals in a game (5).
  • Johnny Graves' tally of 29 points in a match against Eastern Suburbs in 1952[112] remains the club record for the most individual points in a match. Had this feat been scored as it is today it would have stood at 32 points.
  • Alex Johnston is the only player to score 30 tries in a single season in the NRL era. He achieved the feat in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the only player in Australian rugby league history to complete the feat twice.
  • During his career Bob McCarthy scored 100 tries for the club, the most by a forward.[112]
  • Alex Johnston equalled the South Sydney club record of 5 tries in a 2017 match against Penrith at ANZ Stadium in a 42–14 win, joining greats such as Nathan Merritt, Harold Horder, Johnny Graves and Ian Moir. Johnston went on to score another 5 tries against the Sydney Roosters in a 60–8 win in the final round of the 2020 season.
  • Alex Johnston passed Nathan Merritt's all-time try scoring record in Souths win 44–18 against Wests Tigers in round 12 of the 2022 season, with 166 tries as of the end of the 2022 season.

Head-to-head records
OpponentPlayedWonDrawnLostWin %
Dolphins1100100.00
Gold Coast Titans22160672.73
Wests Tigers422501759.52
Parramatta Eels1347535655.97
North Queensland Cowboys402111852.50
Warriors402101952.50
St George-Illawarra Dragons402101952.50
Sydney Roosters231120510651.95
Penrith Panthers944814551.06
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles1497207748.32
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs1688048447.62
Cronulla Sharks944334845.74
Newcastle Knights471902840.43
Canberra Raiders602403640.00
Brisbane Broncos481513231.25
Melbourne Storm39703217.95

Defunct teams
OpponentPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%
Cumberland1100100.00%
Northern Eagles1100100.00%
University31301098.38%
Annandale21191192.85%
Newcastle (1908–09)540180.00%
South Queensland430164.70%
Glebe422701564.28%
North Sydney17510466561.14%
Newtown1539075661.11%
Western Suburbs18210657159.61%
Balmain1789538054.21%
Gold Coast1891852.77%
Western Reds/Perth210150.00%
St George1636929242.94%
Illawarra311221741.93%
Adelaide10010.00%

See also

Notes
  1. In Australia, a foundation club is one that played in the first season of competition. South Sydney played in the first season of the New South Wales Rugby League premiership, some call it the predecessor to the National Rugby League competition.
  2. Reference to Jack Gibson as a "Super Coach" is common terminology in Australian rugby league circles given Gibson's outstanding coaching record – see: "Super coach Gibson salutes his favourite players". The Sydney Morning Herald. AAP. 14 August 2003. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. The St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers merged into the St George Illawarra Dragons in 1998, the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies merged to form the Wests Tigers in 1999 whilst also in the same year the Manly Sea Eagles and North Sydney Bears (who were excluded from the competition on failing to meet solvency criteria) merged into the Northern Eagles (the merger was subsequently dissolved with Manly re-entering the competition in 2003).
  4. Balmain players feigned injury in order to slow down the game, disrupt Souths attacking momentum and run-down the clock to full-time.[101]
  5. Key Souths players purchased by Manly included internationals John O'Neill, Ray Branighan, Elwyn Walters, Mark Carroll, Terry Hill, Jim Serdaris and Ian Roberts and other stars such as Bob Moses, Tom Mooney and Craig Field.
  6. Up until 2002, the second division of rugby league in New South Wales was Reserve Grade/Presidents Cup/First Division Premiers; since then, it has been the NSWRL Premier League.

References

Citations
  1. "Contact Us". South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  2. Fagan, Sean. "South Sydney Rabbitohs". RL1908.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2007.
  3. Ian Heads, South Sydney, Pride of the League, Lothian, 2000.
  4. Season 1908 Archived 6 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine from the Rugby League Tables & Statistics website Archived 21 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  5. "The Balmainiacs of 1909" RL1908.com by Sean Fagan. Archived 13 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Season 1925 Archived 17 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine from the Rugby League Tables & Statistics website Archived 21 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  7. In 1925 rugby league journalist Claude Corbett nicknamed the club the "Pride of the League" – see page 3 of Ian Heads' book South Sydney, Pride of the League, Lothian, 2000. On the internet Souths are referred to as the Pride of the League on the Sydney Olympic Park website: Sydney Olym hipic Park. Archived 16 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine Reference is also made in the official history of the South Sydney Rugby League Football Club by Tom Brock titled South Sydney, Pride of the League, published in 1994. This is mentioned in Mr Brocks' biography: Tom Brock Biography Archived 15 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine at the Australian Society for Sports History website. "South Sydney Rabbitohs". Sydney Olympic Park Authority. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  8. Season 1951 Archived 22 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine Rugby League Tables & Statistics Archived 21 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  9. 1955 season summary Archived 2 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine South Sydney Rabbitohs.
  10. Glen Jackson (2002). "10 of the Best – 1955: The Miracle of '55". In Angus Fontaine (ed.). Souths: The People's Team, League Week, ACP Publishing.
  11. "Record Crowds". Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  12. Season 1965 Archived 18 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine from the Rugby League Tables & Statistics website Archived 21 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  13. Mark Courtney (2000). "Premiers No More". Moving the Goalposts. Halstead Press.
  14. "1970 Grand Final, Souths v Manly" Archived 7 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine. History of Australian Rugby League – via Era of the Biff.
  15. A full description of the famous incident is in Glenn Jackson (2002). "10 of the Best – 1970: The Jawdropper". In Angus Fontaine (ed.). Souths: The People's Team. League Week, ACP Publishing.
  16. See the reference to John Bucknall from the Soaring Sea Eagles website players' page.
  17. Glenn Jackson (2002). "10 of the Best – 1981: The Droughtbreaker". In Angus Fontaine (ed.). Souths: The People's Team. League Week, ACP Publishing.
  18. The South Sydney Sharks | Tales of Reinstatement Ep 5, retrieved 3 May 2023
  19. Fridman, Saul (December 2002). "Before the High Court: sport and the law: The South Sydney appeal" (PDF). Sydney Law Review. 24 (4): 558–68. ISSN 0082-0512. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 May 2014.
  20. See "Grassroots Ethics: The Case of Souths versus News Corporation", pages 216–229 of Remote Control: New Media, New Ethics by Michael Moller, edited by Catharine Lumby and Elspeth Probyn, Cambridge University Press, 2003 – via Google Books
  21. See South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club Ltd v News Limited FCA 862 (6 July 2001), decision of the Full Bench of the Federal Court of Australia.
  22. David Shilburu (2003). "The Souths' Revival", page 150 of Strategic Sports Marketing by David Shilbury, Shayne Quick and Hans Westerbeek, Allen & Unwin, 2003
  23. "Episode 2 – What happened at the Handover Ceremony?" South Sydney Story. Archived 19 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  24. "2007 NRL Premiership Round 25 - South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters". www.ssralmanac.com. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  25. "Richardson quits as Souths CEO". The Sydney Morning Herald. AAP. 31 October 2008. Archived from the original on 24 April 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2008.
  26. "Rabbitohs Elevate Internal Staff in Management Restructure". South Sydney Rabbitohs. 2 February 2008. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  27. Phil Rothfield; Rebecca Wilson (18 May 2008). "Holmes a Court to quit Souths". The Sunday Telegraph. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  28. Josh Massoud (27 May 2008). "How Souths drowned in latte and largesse". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  29. Patrick Smith (28 May 2008). "A Court in the crossfire: the syndrome threatening to derail Souths". The Australian. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  30. Josh Massoud (27 May 2008). "Russell Crowe dumps Holmes a Court as Rabbitohs chairman". Courier Mail. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  31. Ray Chesterton (27 May 2008). "Crowe's company ruined Souths". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
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