Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins , seconded by Councillor Gannon -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council reaffirm:

(i)         the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ historical significance as the oldest club to still be competing in first grade rugby league;

(ii)        the Rabbitohs’ strong community connection, through its active involvement in the Souths Juniors rugby league competitions, and the critical local programs delivered by Souths Cares;

(iii)      that Sydney Football Stadium, currently known as Allianz Stadium, situated within the City of Sydney Local Government Area at Moore Park, should be the home ground for the South Sydney Rabbitohs; and

(iv)      the South Sydney Rabbitohs Football Club’s longstanding history with the Sydney Football Stadium, having played home games at Moore Park from 1908 to 1948, and then again from 1988 to 2005;

(B)      Council note:

(i)         on Friday 13 March 2026, at a match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club, Alex Johnston, a local South Sydney junior, scored his 213th career try to become the highest try scorer in Australian rugby league history;

(ii)        the storming of the field which took place will go on to be a historic moment in Sydney’s collective memory;

(iii)      the cultural resonance of Johnston’s try is felt across the passionate supporter base of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, especially those who reside within the City of Sydney; and

(iv)      it is fitting that Johnston is immortalised through the erection of a statue in his honour at the Rabbitohs’ club facility since his achievement; and

(C)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to:

(i)         Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston to formally express the Council's congratulations for his historic achievement;

(ii)        the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ number one ticket holder and Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese MP:

(a)       to advise him of Council’s support for Alex Johnston’s achievement, and joining fans on the field during the match to celebrate; and

(b)       to reaffirm Council’s strong belief that the Rabbitohs be brought home to Moore Park, acknowledging his long-term support for this outcome;

(iii)      the Premier of New South Wales, The Hon. Chris Minns MP; the Minister for Sport, The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP; and Kerrie Mather, CEO of Venues NSW:

(a)       to formally express the City of Sydney's strong support for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Alex Johnston; and

(b)       to insist that the cultural significance of this event furthers the case for the return of the South Sydney Rabbitohs to Moore Park; and

(iv)      the CEO of the South Sydney Football Club, Blake Solly:

(a)       to congratulate the club on this historic achievement; and

(b)       to remind him of our continued support for the club to return home to its traditional heartland in the City of Sydney.

Carried unanimously.

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