In many ways the last 12 months has also been a year of "firsts" for the Club:
- John Sutton became the first Rabbitoh player to reach 300 First Grade matches;
- We entered our first ever Women's Team in the Harvey Norman Premiership;
- We became the first ever NRL club to promote an indigenous woman to its senior management team; and
- Our Physical Disability team played in the first ever World Club Challenge;
Our relationship with the Juniors is as strong and productive as it has ever been – the Juniors' support to help return a Rabbitohs Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup team next year is indicative of the strength of this relationship. The work that Keith, Luke and the team at the Juniors do to develop the next generation of players, Members and supporters of the Rabbitohs is phenomenal and crucial to both the future of the Rabbitohs and also the NRL.
With funding now secured for our Community and High Performance Centre, in 2019 we will commence building a facility the Club, the Council and Community will be very proud of.
We have the most loyal, the most passionate, the most understanding Members in the NRL – from Mudgee to Perth, Auckland, Townsville, Melbourne – wherever we are; you're there with us. Thank you for that incredible passion and loyalty.
I've said a number of times throughout the year that the enthusiasm and tenacity of the hard-working staff at the Rabbitohs and Souths Cares is exceptional. It is a real privilege to lead such a dedicated team of people, who challenge themselves and each other to be the best they can be every day.
Our Womens and Mens experienced much success on the field in 2018 – but importantly they played with an expansive and exciting style of play, approached wins or losses with great class and gave the Rabbitohs community so much enjoyment and pride throughout the season.
2018 was such a great step forward for the Club, we're very proud of these achievements and it's built a really strong platform for 2019.
We have the best young talent in Rugby League on and off the field, we'll commence the build of our Community and High Performance Centre at Heffron Park, we return to a full Rabbitohs pathway with regular matches at Redfern Oval – add this to the best Members, Government and commercial partners in Rugby League and 2019 is extremely exciting.
But we recognise that without the support of our Members, the achievements of 2018 and this excitement for 2019 would be impossible.
In 2019 we will continue to provide the Rabbitoh community with much enjoyment and pride.
Have a safe and enjoyable New Year!
Blake Solly
CEO
South Sydney Rabbitohs
