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31 Aug 2001 After a ton of first-grade games with the Dragons and the Steelers, Andrew Hart felt it was time to move on, writes Steve Mascord. Andrew Hart makes his 101st first-grade appearance tonight. Or is that 102? Some say it's 103 ... Not even the 25-year-old St George Illawarra second-rower is really sure. It's not the sort of thing that matters to him. Without being too corny about it, there is a reason Hart chose Jimmy Barnes's Working Class Man as the song he wants played over the PA at Dragons home games when he scores a try. http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/31/sport/sport8.html THE Manly-run Northern Eagles have bumped up their offer to halfback Brett Kimmorley in a desperate bid to keep the new club afloat. The increased deal, which is understood to almost match his previous contract worth $500,000 a year, was put to his manager yesterday. The new deal came amid speculation Kimmorley had agreed to terms with South Sydney. But the halfback said yesterday he had made no decision on his future. Souths chief executive Paul Dunn added that the club was yet to make a formal offer. "We'll be putting something forward tomorrow but it won't be anything above $400,000 a year, so if Manly have upped their offer, I would think we'll get an answer fairly quickly on our proposal," Dunn said. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2723571%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 30 Aug 2001 It was going to be South Sydney's version of the Last Supper. A $375-a-head corporate fundraiser on the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground - the scene of Souths' greatest on-field victories - to help meet the club's legal fees in the event that their Federal Court appeal failed. So the historic lunch was conceived - no-one ever having been permitted to dine on the SCG wicket - and a guest list drawn up that read like a who's who of Australian sport, as the Rabbitohs planned to go out in style. Instead, the event - to be held on September 28, the Friday before the NRL grand final - will be an upmarket celebration of what is now the club's most famous triumph. http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/30/sport/sport12.html 29 Aug 2001 When Paul Stringer signed a three-year contract with South Sydney yesterday, one of the first people he called was Mark O'Meley. Stringer and O'Meley are Northern Eagles props. They were also amateur pugilists outside a Gosford pub in March - fighting each other. The pair were fined $7,500 each and splashed across newspapers. "It's probably one of the best things that could happen to us," Stringer, 25, said last night. "We played our best football after that. He and I are good mates and our wives get on well. http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/29/sport/sport12.html As revealed by LeagueAustralia.com's Doctor Who earlier this week, South Sydney are chasing former Australian halfback Brett Kimmorley. Rabbitohs coach Craig Coleman has confirmed that the club is in the market for the former Clive Churchill medal winner. "We've got a bit of money left so we'll see what we can do" he told League Week magazine. Kimmorley becomes a free agent after Saturday night's clash between the Northern Eagles and Brisbane at NorthPower Stadium. Brisbane and the Sydney Roosters, both looking for established halfbacks, are said to be interested in Kimmorley but the Broncos are not seen has a feasble option as the NSW halfback wants to remain living in Sydney. The Rabbitohs have signed a well established set of players for next season but apart from Adam Muir and Owen Craigie have not secured anyone with a wealth of first grade experience. Signing Kimmorley would take the Rabbitohs from an unlikely finals contendor to a grand final possibility. It's understood Kimmorley is looking for a deal worth somewhere around $500,000 per season. http://www4.tpg.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#kimmorley Pleas from best mates Mark O'Meley and Steve Menzies today failed to convince Northern Eagles prop Paul Stringer to remain with the embattled National Rugby League club. Stringer signed a three-year deal today with South Sydney because he wants to be a part of the excitment surrounding the Rabbitohs and he's sick of the dramas at the Eagles. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2001/news/static/article_2193.asp 28 Aug 2001 Northern Eagles prop Paul Stringer has signed a three-year deal with South Sydney. Stringer becomes a free agent when the joint venture Eagles outfit collapses after Saturday's National Rugby League clash with Brisbane and has agreed to play for the Rabbitohs when they re-enter the competition next season. The 25-year-old ball playing prop has been a stand out for the Eagles this season. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2001/news/static/article_2191.asp http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010828/sportalleague/998981704-2215272475.html 27 Aug 2001 George Piggins yesterday won a vote of overwhelming support from South Sydney football club members when three new directors on his nine-person ticket were elected at the Rabbitohs' annual general meeting. The trio, former KPMG executive Peter Hodge and unrelated businessmen David Wilson and Chris Wilson, will replace Steve McDermott and Martin and Jerry Lissing on the Souths board of which Piggins remains chairman. The other five incumbent directors - Jim Hatfield, Andrew Denton, Anthony Albanese, Dominic Sullivan and Deidre Grusovin - were all re-elected with the backing of Piggins. http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/27/sport/sport11.html 26 Aug 2001 Bunnies target Brett PDF JPG ENTERTAINER Don Lane, once branded an "absolute disgrace" by Souths chairman George Piggins, said he does not back away from trying to steer the club toward a merger two years ago. In his first public comment on the issue since the Rabbitohs were returned to the NRL, the former Souths lobbyist maintained he did the right thing when he went against Piggins and pushed for Souths members to vote for a joint venture with the Sharks in 1999. "At that particular time my job was to look at everything," Lane said. "The Sharks seem to be going pretty well now, don't they. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2688904%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 25 Aug 2001 Wests Tigers centre/five-eighth Owen Craigie has just signed with South Sydney on an incentive contract with the terms of the deal not yet known. Craigie has been in good form of late for Wests after a slow start to the season, which was mostly caused by injury. The talented centre played for Newcastle in the 1997 grand final but is yet to fully capture his potential with weight problems, attitude and defensive lapses being his biggest downfall. South Sydney have done well to snare Craigie on an incentive deal as it will make him play and train harder to earn his full contract value. Craigie has the raw natural talent and is a type of player Souths need that can turn the game with one piece of brilliance. Meanwhile in further Souths news, the Rabbitohs last Saturday through Sean Garlick confirmed the signing of Bradford and former Roosters utility Shane Rigon on Radio 2GB. The Bradford club has since hit back denying they have released Rigon from the final year of his contract at the Bulls to join Souths. Reports from the UK indicate Rigon is heading back to Australia next year due to homesickness and if he has to sit out the year, he will. Other players officially signed by Souths include: Russell Richardson (Sharks) Adam Muir (Eagles) Glenn Grief (Knights) Andrew Hart (Saints) Jason Death (Warriors) Jamie Fitzgerald (Saints) Frank Puletua (Panthers) Adam Peek (Bulldogs) Paul McNicholas (Sharks) Luke Stuart (Sharks) Scott McLean (Eagles) Jay Bandy (Eagles) Damien Mostyn (Sharks) Brad Watts (Storm) Andrew Hinson (Panthers) Wade McKinnon (Eels) Brett Sheehan (Manly) Anthony Colella (Raiders) Joel Penny (Eagles) David Elvy (Panthers) Duncan MacGillivray (Panthers) Nathan De Bartolo (Roosters) Shane Rigon (Bradford) Blaine Stanley (Sharks) http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3350 20 Aug 2001 Bradford have dismissed reports from Australia that utility player Shane Rigon has agreed a move to South Sydney. The 24-year-old centre or second row forward, who has made 24 appearances for the Bulls and was in their Challenge Cup final team, was reported to have signed for the re-formed Rabbitohs. But Bradford spokesman Stuart Duffy rubbished the reports saying, "Shane Rigon has not signed for South Sydney. They inquired about him but he is under contract for another 12 months and at the moment he is not available." Rigon played for Sydney Roosters from 1996-2000 and was in their team that lost to Brisbane Broncos in last year's NRL Grand Final. http://cnn.sportal.com/vipa/0,8464,cnnhome^2Fartdisplay|AR_358962^7CCB_4^7CSP_937,00.html http://www.playtheball.com/news/news.asp?newsid=4610 http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=rleague/01/08/18/RUGBYL_Bradford.html 19 Aug 2001 Sean Garlick has confirmed minutes ago on Radio 2GB that South Sydney has signed Bradford and former Sydney Roosters utility Shane Rigon for next season. Rigon played with the Roosters between 1996-2000 playing in 84 first grade matches scoring 19 tries. Rigon was on the Interchange bench in the 2000 grand final loss against Brisbane. After the grand final Rigon signed with English club Bradford and earlier this year played in the Bulls 13-6 Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final loss against St Helens. Rigon, 24, will offer the Rabbitohs plenty of versitility being able to cover centre, lock and second row. http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3262 Bradford utility Shane Rigon will return to Australia next year to play with South Sydney. The 24-year old joined Bradford after five years with the Sydney Roosters in which he played over 80 first grade matches and scored close to 20 tries. Rigon can play in a number of positions and was used well off the interchange bench in the Roosters 14-6 grand final loss to Brisbane last year. Rigon is the 27th player the Rabbitohs have signed to play with them next season. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#rigon 16 Aug 2001 Wes Maas and Scott Geddes have both joined South Sydney to complete their 26-man first grade squad for next season. The Rabbitohs have several impressive players in their ranks, including Sharks centre Russell Richardson who until mid-way through this year was one of the best players in the club. Players like Andrew Hinson also have full potential to be stars of the future. Hinson was one of Penrith's most dynamic players in 1998 but a knee injury stalled his career. Hinson will be joined by team-mates Frank Puletua, David Elvy and Duncan MacGillivray at the Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs squad for next year is as follows: Adam Muir, Russell Richardson, Glenn Grief, Andrew Hart, Jason Death, Jamie Fitzgerald, Frank Puletua, Andrew Hinson, Duncan MacGillivray, David Elvy, Paul McNicholas, Luke Stuart, Damien Mostyn, Blaine Stanley, Brad Watts, Andrew Hinson, Wade McKinnon, Brett Sheehan, Anthony Colella, Joel Penny, Nathan DeBartolo, Scott McLean, Adam Peek, Brent Grose, Scott Geddes, Wes Maas. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths One of the things I used to look forward to every year was the Charity Shield. I always considered it the marker beacon for the beginning of the footy season. A footy season that was new, bright and fresh, and where all teams stood on an equal footing at the starting line for the long season ahead. It was also the first chance to catch a glimpse with optimistic eyes of any new recruits in the red and green. But I believe, most importantly, it was our first chance of the year to smash our long time arch rivals St.George. And if there's one thing any fair dinkum South Sydney supporter enjoys, it's seeing the mighty Rabbitohs smash St.George! http://www.rabbitohs.com/burrows/opinions/2001/08-singleton.shtml http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3232 9 Aug 2001 South Sydney has further boosted its depth for next season with the signings of Cronulla winger Brent Grose and Bulldogs forward Adam Peek. The Rabbitohs have now officially signed upwards of 24 players and have expressed interest in signing Northern Eagles prop Paul Stringer and London halfback Dennis Moran. Grose made his first grade debut this year and has been a solid performer in recent weeks keeping the right wing spot warm for the return of Mat Rogers. Grose has scored five tries in his 11 appearances in the top grade. Peek has received limited opportunities in his time at the Bulldogs due to the clubs forward depth playing in only 21 matches in his three seasons at the Belmore based club. Peek played 18 games with Adelaide in 1997 and his father John Peek was a former Souths player who played 60 first grade games for the Rabbitohs between 1978-81 after playing 88 for Canterbury between 1972-77. http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3121 8 Aug 2001 Young Cronulla winger, Brett Grose, has today announced he will be with the bunnies next year, making him the sixth current Sharks player to sign with the returning club. Grose, who made his first grade debut against the Bulldogs earlier this season, will join teammates Paul McNicholas, Russell Richardson, Luke Stuart, Blain Stanely and Damien Mostyn in the red and green in 2002. Despite a host of quality players leaving the club, the Sharks have continued to recruit well, signing a number of young players such as Karl Lovell, Nick Patterson, Paul Franze and Dean Bosnich. It has also been rumoured that Kiwi international and former Shark and Storm star, Tawera Nikua, could be back with Anderson and the Sharks next season. http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3120 It has been confirmed that South Sydney will be the home side against the Dragons in the opening match of the season to be played most likely at the famous Sydney Cricket Ground. Souths will return to the premiership next season after two years in exile following being dumped by the NRL at the end of the 1999 season. The Rabbitohs were always keen to play long-time rivals St George in the opening match of the season at the SCG but the Dragons wanted to be recognised as the home side. Common sense has prevailed with Souths being the home side and will play the Saints. The Sydney Cricket Ground was the home of Rugby League in Australia until the end of 1987 when the Sydney Football Stadium came into operation. The SCG has so much prestige and tradition behind it and in many ways a tragedy there’s only been six League matches at the great venue since the 1987 grand final where Manly defeated Canberra 18-8. http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3118 5 Aug 2001 FORMER Test hooker Jim Serdaris is striving to revive his career where it all started -- South Sydney. Serdaris, who last played in the NRL with Manly in 1999, will appear at open trials to be held by Souths on October 6-7. He began his career with Souths, winning rookie-of-the-year status in 1989 before stints at Wests, Canterbury and then Manly. He toured with the Kangaroos in 1994 and played a Test against New Zealand in 1995. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2511423%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 4 Aug 2001 South Sydney have made another move into the player market with the Rabbitohs negotiating with Bradford lock Shane Rigon, a member of the Sydney Roosters' 2000 grand final team. Rigon, Bradford teammate Michael Withers and London halfback Dennis Moran are all under contract to English clubs for next season but hope to gain releases to join Souths. Souths are also chasing Eastern Suburbs rugby union player Huia Edmonds, brother of Waratah five-eighth Manuel. http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/04/text/sport7.html South Sydney will soon announce the signings of three English-based Australians in a further boost to their already impressive list of players for next season. The three players are believed to be current London Broncos halfback Dennis Moran, Bradford lock Shane Rigon and teammate Michael Withers. But Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football Operations, Sean Garlick, says an official announcement of the signings would not take place until next week. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=15408 3 Aug 2001 Jason Death is sad about having to leave his "Death Row" and other fans, and about leaving the Warriors when they look as though they are going to be a real force in the National Rugby League (NRL). http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,889056a1823,FF.html It's the perfect script for a Hollywood movie. The little guy looking down the barrell of death, the big guy about to land the final blow. Then, as happens in those epic movies, a last ditch attempt for survival pays off. A miracle perhaps, or maybe better described as justice. As happens more often than not in Hollywood, the little guy wins. The impossible becomes reality. South Sydney were a foundation club, breaking away from rugby union in 1908 to join rugby league. The Rabbitohs won the first two competitions hands down and went on to win seven further premierships before 1930. They may have went through some rough times over the next 20 years, but Souths were back in the 1950's when they won five competitions in just six years. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/leagueviews.html St George Illawarra have lost their bid to profit from South Sydney's comeback. The Dragons, whose premiership credentials will be clearer after tonight's game against Parramatta, had asked to host Souths' return match next season after two years in the premiership wilderness. With the game certain to be a sell-out, the joint-venture club stood to pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars in a move that stunned the Rabbitohs. But NRL chief executive David Moffett yesterday put his foot down on the issue, saying: "Souths will get a home game. I think it is obvious to most people that that should be the case. If I was running the Dragons, I'd probably be trying to get it as one of my home games as well." http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/03/sport/sport6.html National Rugby League CEO David Moffett has confirmed today that South Sydney will play St George-Illawarra in a first round blockbuster next season. Moffett said the game would be a Rabbitohs home match at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite attempts by the Dragons to make it theirs. The Rabbitohs will return to the competition next year after a two year absence in which they fought both the NRL and News Limited for re-entry into the premiership. A sellout crowd is all but certain to be on hand for the first match, which will surely be emotion charged. The double header which has opened the season for the past two seasons is all but certain to be scrapped following bad crowd behaviour and disappointing attendances. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#round1 IN a throwback to the 1950s, South Sydney will sign a player whose only demand is rent assistance and a labouring job. Zane Clarke, a hooker, has verbally agreed to play with Souths and will formally sign next week. Clarke, 26, played 1998 with the Auckland Warriors and has since been with Cessnock - home of Andrew Johns -- in the local Newcastle competition. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2502251%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 2 Aug 2001 The New Zealand Warriors announced yesterday that hooker Jason Death will be released from the Auckland-based league club at the end of this season. Death will remain with the Warriors as the club attempts to chase its first ever spot in the final series. However, next season he will play his football with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Warriors chief executive officer Mick Watson said the 29-year-old hooker has been a great asset to the club over the years and applauded his tenacity and toughness as a footballer. http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,887821a1823,FF.html South Sydney will spend no more than $3million to field a side next season - even though they plan to add another half-dozen signings to the 22-man squad announced yesterday. The Rabbitohs are in a fortunate position as their return to the National Rugby League coincides with a player transfer market heavily weighted towards the clubs. They have just four players on contracts of more than $150,000 a season. http://www.smh.com.au/news/0108/02/sport/sport4.html South Sydney will inflict Death and Grief on its opponents when it returns to National Rugby League action next year. Souths has revealed a squad of 22 players who had agreed to terms with the Rabbitohs, with former Australian Test centre Russell Richardson the latest big-name recruit. Newcastle prop Glenn Grief, New Zealand Warriors hooker-cum-lock Jason Death, Canberra second rower Anthony Colella and Melbourne utility back Brad Watts were other first grade signings announced today. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010802/aapleague/996701790-1812873245.html SOUTH Sydney chief executive Paul Dunn has hailed former Test centre Russell Richardson as the Rabbitohs' backline leader after he signed a three-year deal yesterday. The Rabbitohs unveiled the bulk of their squad for their return to the NRL with the signing of high-profile players Richardson, Jason Death, Anthony Colella and Glenn Grief. Souths' four big new recruits have given the club a very solid foundation as they build a team from scratch. Dunn acknowledged that Richardson will be the club's key backline signing after they missed out on an audacious late bid to sign Nathan Blacklock from St George Illawarra. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2489427%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html South Sydney has signed another representative star, former Australian Super League Test centre Russell Richardson, for next season's NRL Premiership campaign. The Rabbitohs beat off bids from two unnamed Super League clubs in Britain for his signature. They announced his signing of three-year contract in Sydney on Wednesday. Richardson has had a wretched season with the Sharks, plagued by injury and unable to regain his first-grade spot. He played two Tests off the bench against Britain in 1997, at Old Trafford and Elland Road. http://www.totalrugbyleague.com/news/viewnews.cgi?newsid996664222,4400, 1 Aug 2001 The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce the signing of 19 players who will be joining the club after the current season. Welcome to: Rusell Richardson (Sharks) Adam Muir (Eagles) Glen Grief (Knights) Andrew Hart (Saints) Jason Death (Warriors) Jamie Fitzgerald (Saints) Frank Puleta (Panthers) Paul McNicholas (Sharks) Luke Stuart (Sharks) Damien Mostyn (Sharks) Brad Watts (Storm) Andrew Hinson (Panthers) Wade McKinnon (Eels) Brett Sheehan (Manly) Anthony Collela (Raiders) Joel Penny (Eagles) Duncan McGilvray (Panthers) Nathan De Bartolo (Roosters) http://www.souths.com.au/ Former Australian Test centre Russell Richardson announced today he had signed a three year rugby league deal with South Sydney. Souths also secured Newcastle prop Glenn Grief and New Zealand Warriors hooker Jason Death for two years each. The Rabbitohs revealed their list of 22 players today which includes names such as Canberra forward Anthony Colella and Melbourne utility Brad Watts. Souths chief executive Paul Dunn said he expected to announce the reinstated National Rugby League club's major sponsor on August 16. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2001/news/static/article_1970.asp South Sydney have announced the signing of five Sharks fringe first-graders, headed by out of form Russell Richardson. The others who have signed are Paul McNicholas, Luke Stuart, Blaine Stanley and Damien Mostyn. Richardson, who till had a year to run on his highly paying contract with the Sharks, decided to ask for a release because of his indifferent form, believing a change of environment could spark him to return to the form of old. Damien Mostyn, who made his first grade debut with the Roosters, has played only a few top grade games this season and sees the move to Souths as a chance to become a consistent performer at the top level. These five players were announced as part of the 22 man squad that the Rabbitohs have signed up so far, headed by Northern Eagles second rower, Adam Muir. Confirmed South Sydney signings for 2002: BACKS Player Current Club Contract Russell Richardson Sharks 3 years Damien Mostyn Sharks 1 year Blaine Stanley Sharks 1 year Brad Watts Melbourne 2 years Andrew Hinson Penrith 2 years Wade McKinnon Parramatta 2 years Scott McLean Northern Eagles 2 years Joel Penny Northern Eagles 1 year Jay Bandy Northern Eagles 2 years Brett Sheehan Manly 2 years David Elvy Penrith 1 year Nathan De Bartolo Sydney Roosters 1 year FORWARDS Adam Muir (captain) Northern Eagles 2 years Glenn Grief Newcastle 2 years Andrew Hart Dragons 3 years Jason Death Warriors 2years Jamie Fitzgerald Dragons 2 years Anthony Colella Canberra 1 year Frank Puletua Penrith 2 years Paul McNicholas Sharks 2 years Luke Stuart Sharks 1 year Duncan MacGillivray Penrith 1 year http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=3032 SOUTH SYDNEY will inflict Death and Grief on their opponents when they return to NRL action next year. Souths today revealed a squad of 22 players who had agreed to terms with the Rabbitohs, with former Australian Test centre Russell Richardson the latest big-name recruit. Newcastle prop Glenn Grief, New Zealand Warriors hooker-cum-lock Jason Death, Canberra second rower Anthony Colella and Melbourne utility back Brad Watts were other first grade signings announced today. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2487136%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html New Zealand Warrior crowd favourite Jason Death is set to leave the club and his fans on Death Row and move to the reinstated South Sydney Rabbitohs. Death 29, has signed a two year deal with Souths after three seasons for the Warriors where he was voted the club's player of the year in 1999. http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,51505,00.html http://xtra.co.nz/sport/0,,4815-650207,00.html |
