NEWS

Rabbitohs Launch 2010 Charity Shield with Dragons

27 Jan 2010

The Rabbitohs and Dragons have launched the 2010 Charity Shield at ANZ Stadium today, signaling the start to a one-month countdown to the feature pre-season Club match on the NRL calendar.

The 2010 Charity Shield, to be played on Saturday 27 February at 8pm, will see the Rabbitohs aiming for a hat-trick of victories and will be a chance for the South Sydney players to secure a jersey for the Club’s opening game of the season, the 200^th meeting between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 14 March.

South Sydney Head Coach John Lang was joined by captain Roy Asotasi, and new recruit and former Dragon Ben Ross in launching the 27^th Charity Shield. The Rabbitohs were joined by St George Illawarra’s Head Coach Wayne Bennett, new recruit and former Rabbitoh Michael Greenfield, and Jamie Soward at the launch on the day tickets went on sale to the general public.

This year, Rabbitohs’ proceeds from the Charity Shield will support Souths Cares and their community programs such as the Teachers Aide program amongst schools in the South Sydney district and the Workplace Mentoring program conducted in Sydney and the Coffs Harbour region.

The Rabbitohs will also raise awareness for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) by wearing the ‘Silver Ribbon’ on the front of their jerseys for this match. Rabbitohs major Home corporate partner NAB is the founding partner of OCRF.

The Charity Shield crowd record for ANZ Stadium was set last year when 25,871 Members and supporters came to the Rabbitohs home ground to see the red and greens win their second straight Charity Shield.

The Rabbitohs and Dragons are in a head-to-head battle to become the first NSW Club to reach 10,000 Ticketed Members, with South Sydney urging their supporters to become a Ticketed Member for the 2010 season.

Rabbitohs Head Coach John Lang will field his strongest possible side in the Charity Shield.

“We’ll be fielding our best team as we put the final touches to our pre-season preparation and work towards round one,” Lang said.

“I think it will be exciting for our Members to see our new players on the field together at our home ground for the first time, and from a footy point of view it will be good for us to see how these guys perform in an NRL competition-style match.”

Rabbitohs captain Roy Asotasi said the Charity Shield is always a special occasion.

“This will be my fourth Charity Shield and it’s always a great game to play in,” Asotasi said.

“This will be our final chance to get things right on the field before we play the Roosters in round one so it’s much more than a trial game.

“It’s also good to be able to support Souths Cares and help raise awareness for the work done by OCRF.”

Rabbitohs recruit Ben Ross will be playing for a position in the Rabbitohs forward pack at the Charity Shield, pending receiving a clearance to play again on February 4.

“It’s been a long road back for me after breaking my neck last season and once I get the all-clear from the doctor on February 4, I’ll be setting my sights on the Charity Shield and round one,” Ross said.

“I made my first grade debut with the Dragons and I know the Charity Shield is important to both Clubs in terms of preparation for the season, and also off-field considerations such as a Membership and Sponsorship.

“I’m jumping out of my skin to play and hopefully I can perform well enough to play in the Charity Shield and to get a spot in the round one team.”

NRL CEO David Gallop also recognises the role the Charity Shield plays in kicking-off the new season.

“Today’s Charity Shield launch is a timely reminder that the season is fast approaching,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.

“The Telstra Premiership kicks off in just 44 days and before then we will have teams travelling across Australia for trial matches and for the game’s Community Carnival.”

Tickets for the 2010 Charity Shield are on sale to the general public now from Ticketek. To purchase tickets from Ticketek you can do so online by visiting www.ticketek.com.au, on the phone by calling 132 849, or by visiting any Ticketek agency.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Category 1 Reserved:

Adult - $35
Concession - $25
Junior - $15
Family - $75

Category 2 General Admission

Adult - $25
Concession - $15
Junior - $10
Family - $55

Corporate Hospitality is also available for the Charity Shield including:

Legends Lounge - $300 per head

The Rabbitohs Legends Lounge is the most prestigious setting from which to enjoy the ultimate game day experience. This five-hour entertainment experience is held on Level 4 at ANZ Stadium, Australia’s premier sporting facility. The Rabbitohs Legends Lounge will leave a lasting impression on your clients and guests. Indulge in a sumptuous three-course meal with full beverage package while being entertained by past legends of the game including Bob McCarthy.

Churchill Club - $180 per head

Don’t miss a minute of the action while watching the match from the glass fronted room, giving you one of the best view points within ANZ Stadium. The Churchill Club is hosted by Rabbitohs Recruitment Manager and league legend Mark Hughes. Each week Mark interviews current Rabbitohs players giving you an insight into the tactics for the match.

Private Suites - $250 per head (16 or 20 guests)

Private Suites are located on level 3 of the eastern and western sides of ANZ Stadium, behind the 20 metre line. With the capacity for 16 or 20 guests this intimate option is ideal for those who want to make a lasting impression on VIP clients. Each suite features a self-contained kitchen and bar, furnished dining area, television and premium

undercover balcony seating. A private suite offers the perfect opportunity to combine business with pleasure and have all your guests’ needs attended to with a personal steward offering service that is second-to-none.

Outdoor Box - $150 per head (8 or 12 guests)

Outdoor Boxes are available for 8 or 12 guests and located in the heart of the action. All Outdoor Boxes are undercover and situated on either side of the half way line (next to the coaches box) giving you the best seat in the house with uninterrupted views of the field. Outdoor Boxes are perfect for those who wish to combine business with pleasure in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere. So close to the action you’ll feel every tackle!

2010 Charity Shield Fact Sheet

Souths Cares

Souths Cares was established by Peter Holmes à Court and Russell Crowe in 2006, with David Peachey joining the team as Souths Cares Ambassador in 2007 and Nigel Vagana in 2009.

Souths Cares assists youth to aspire to be their best, and focuses on the South Sydney and Coffs Harbour communities.

We do this by drawing on the rich heritage of the Rabbitohs and engaging current players in the delivery of programs that promote the benefits of education and healthy lifestyles.

Souths Cares projects seek to increase the efficiency in delivery of services through partnerships with established service providers, Government and the corporate sector.

To learn more about Souths Cares, please visit www.rabbitohs.com.au/Souths-Cares/Home.html.

Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) has been established to foster research into ovarian cancer - a disease which in Australia claims the life of one woman every 10 hours and often remains undetected until in its advanced stages.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) was established in May 2000 and led by eminent gynaecological oncology specialist, Chairman/Co-Founder Associate Professor Thomas Jobling and CEO/Co-Founder Liz Heliotis.

It has developed to become one of Australia’s pre-eminent bodies supporting ovarian cancer research programs that occur nationally, and are focused upon the understanding of the causes of ovarian cancer, its early detection and improve patient survival.

Many fundraising initiatives are undertaken by the OCRF, such as the annual Silver Ribbon Campaign, the proceeds of which directly provide funding for research into an early detection program for cancer of the ovaries.

To learn more about OCRF, please visit www.ocrf.com.au.

2009 result:

Rabbitohs 18 (Colin Best 2, Nathan Merritt tries; Issac Luke 3 goals)

defeated

Dragons 6 (Beau Scott try; Mathew Head goal)

Crowd: 25,871