Rabbitohs modern day legend, John Sutton, will receive a Testimonial match to highlight his one-club career at South Sydney, to be played against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday 23 February at the Metricon High Performance Centre at Redfern Oval, with kick off scheduled for 6pm.
The pre-season match against the Panthers will be a celebration of the Rabbitohs’ longest-serving player, with a percentage of proceeds from the match going to support Souths Cares and Panthers on the Prowl.
Sutton, the Rabbitohs’ most-capped first grade player in South Sydney’s 111-year history, will be honoured at the spiritual home ground of the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the heart of Redfern.
Sutton is humbled by this game now being in his honour.
“To be able to lead the team out onto Redfern will be a great honour and it’s truly humbling to have the NRL and Souths behind this game,” Sutton said.
“I love this Club and everything it stands for, I’ve been a part of some amazing South Sydney moments like the 2014 premiership, and this game will be right up there with them.
“I remember watching the ‘Return to Redfern’ games we’ve played in the past and they have a really special feeling about them, with the Members getting to watch football at the old home ground and to share that with their kids or grandchildren.
“To think that this game will be in my honour, with my family and friends there to support us, as well as being able to support two great charities in Souths Cares and Panthers on the Prowl, is very humbling and I can’t thank the NRL and Souths enough for getting behind the concept.”
John SuttonTo be able to lead the team out onto Redfern will be a great honour and it’s truly humbling to have the NRL and Souths behind this game.
Rabbitohs General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, said this game will be a special moment from his time at South Sydney.
“I’ve known John for a long time now and he is the sort of player that should be honoured with a Testimonial match,” Mr Richardson said.
“He’s a one-club player that has given everything to this Club. He captained our most recent premiership victory and is our most-capped player in 111 years of history.
“None of his achievements can be underestimated, what he means to this Club can ever be underestimated, and we are privileged to be able to help celebrate the career of one of South Sydney’s favourite sons.
“I’m sure the Members and supporters will support John by coming to this game, and in turn they will also be helping support two wonderful charities in Souths Cares and Panthers on the Prowl, two organisations I have had a lot to do with during my time in Rugby League.
“This will be a fantastic occasion and one not to be missed by any Rabbitohs Member or supporter.”
Shane RichardsonNone of his achievements can be underestimated, what he means to this Club can ever be underestimated, and we are privileged to be able to help celebrate the career of one of South Sydney’s favourite sons.
Four games of Rugby League will be played at the John Sutton Testimonial match between South Sydney and Penrith featuring the Rabbitohs pathways teams, all of which Sutton has played in over his time in red and green.
Gates will open at 12:30pm with the Harold Matthews Cup under 16s fixture kicking off at 12:40pm. The under 18s SG Ball Cup match will start at 2pm with the Jersey Flegg under 20s trial match set to commence at 4pm. The NRL Testimonial match will kick off at 6pm.
BUY TICKETS HERE for the John Sutton Testimonial match.
