‘Cheeky’ Rabbitohs ‘payback’ for petty Roosters act revealed
South Sydney has gone all out in taking over Allianz Stadium and getting one back on the Roosters in what will be yet another chapter in the famed Book Of Feuds.
The bitter NRL rivals will go head-to-head on Friday night in the last game of the home and away season, before they begin their finals campaigns.
The Rabbitohs have claimed Allianz Stadium. Danny Weidler
Earlier this season, on the night Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston broke the game’s try-scoring record, the Chooks caused a stir when the Allianz Stadium scoreboard simply read “visiting team” rather than naming their opponent on the screen.
The Rabbitohs were left fuming and the Roosters were forced to apologise. When asked if they would return the favour in round 27, South Sydney chief Blake Solly said “we’re better than that”.
But it seems the Bunnies have come up with their own form of revenge.
9News journalist Danny Weidler on Friday revealed South Sydney has constructed a “cheeky” banner across the team’s bench which reads, “home of the Rabbitohs”.
The Roosters and Rabbitohs have long squabbled over which club can call the old Sydney Football Stadium its home ground.
“The cooperation between the Roosters and Rabbitohs has been unprecedented in the lead up to tonight’s local derby,” Weidler said in an Instagram video.
“However there have been a couple of little shots fired today.
“The Rabbitohs have unveiled a sign claiming ownership of the ground. That will definitely annoy some people at the Roosters.
“It’s a bit of a payback. There’s always plenty of drama between the clubs.”
Friday night’s game will also mark the 100th appearance of Jai Arrow as a Rabbitohs player.
Arrow has been forced to retire after a motor neurone disease diagnosis. The Rabbitohs and NRL organised for him to take the field briefly last week, and again this week in order to officially reach the 100-game milestone for the club.
Jai Arrow will walk out for his last NRL game. Getty Images
The Rabbitohs put out a press release on Friday revealing the game has been sold out, despite the Roosters resting a host of big name players.
The statement also said the game will “celebrate the Rabbitohs returning to the club’s heartland, with Moore Park part of South Sydney’s catchment area”, in another pot shot at the Roosters.
A group of Bunnies old boys and club members will also march down Driver Avenue to the stadium before the game.
“When we campaigned to return to Allianz Stadium in Moore Park as a home venue, this is one of the reasons why,” Solly said on Friday.
“So many of our members and fans indicated they wanted us to return to our heartland, especially for big games such as this one, against our neighbours with some very special milestones to celebrate.
“We don’t always see eye-to-eye with the Roosters, but we also know that celebrating Jai tonight will bring us all together. On behalf of the Rabbitohs we would like to thank the Roosters for their support of Jai since his diagnosis, and we thank them for supporting this concept of Jai reaching 100 NRL games for our club.”
