The South Sydney Rabbitohs have exceeded 27,000 Members for the 2017 NRL season and while the count continues to rise, Rabbitohs Media have reached out to our Members to find out more about their involvement with the Club.
Our Member story today is about the Coorey’s, a family who have been with the Rabbitohs from the start and will continue to pass down the red and green obsession through generations to come.
Head of the clan is Michael Coorey, a long-time Member with his family name standing out as one of our largest families supporting the Rabbitohs, holding a total of 10 Memberships.
“10 members of our family are Rabbitohs Members which stretches over three generations, myself, three of my sons and all six grandchildren (with more one on the way shortly),” explained Michael.
“Our family members are scattered across the eastern seaboard which makes it hard to attend regularly together.
“But we often say to people there are two types of people in this world. The ones who support South Sydney and the ones who wish they could support South Sydney.”
The family’s love for the Rabbitohs started alongside Souths inauguration with Michael’s grandfather and father attending the first Rabbitohs game in 1908.
“All our life (we have been supporters) as a result of my father and grandfather who lived in Redfern - they were at South Sydney’s first game in 1908, my father Frank Coorey was then eight years old.”
Although the pride in the Rabbitohs runs deep in the Coorey name, Michael describes the Rabbitohs as a unique and inspirational Club that has never lost its identity despite been dealt with some hard challenges.
“We are involved with a Club steeped in rich history,” Michael explained.
“Souths are so unique. They have always appealed to people from all walks of life. They have never lost their identity.
“Greeting a Souths supporter anywhere is a special experience for us as individuals. The Club is a strong advocate for the indigenous population of this whole country and we are so proud to be associated with this.
“To us, the Rabbitohs epitomise a never say die attitude to life. They are inspirational from what they have been dealt in the past. How many Clubs would fight like Souths through the adversity of being thrown out of main stream Rugby League and use that typical never say die attitude to end up back where we are today?"
Regardless of living 900km away in Toomwomba, Michael still manages to make it to some Souths games to cheer on his Rugby League team.
“I live in Toowoomba and was fortunate enough last year to get to Auckland, Brisbane, Newcastle and a couple of games in Sydney. My sons seem to get to their fair share between them, especially Andrew who lives in Sydney.”
Attending the Rabbitohs round four fixture against the Roosters last week, the Coorey’s will continue to cheer on the red and green for generations to come and are excited to start with the season ahead.
“We are truly excited by what lies ahead this year.
“With the fresh new approach that has been brought to the Club through the coaching staff and plethora of exciting new players, it makes for a very optimistic year ahead.”
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