Member Co. Update - Ray Martin AM announces retirement

Ray Martin AM

At today’s Annual General Meeting of of South Sydney Members Rugby League Football Club (Member Co.), Ray Martin AM announced his retirement from the Board of Member Co. following almost 20 years of distinguished service to the Rabbitohs.

Mr Martin, a Life Member, has been a Director since 13 February 2006. He also served as a Director of South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club (Football Club) from April 2007 to March 2008.

One of Australia’s premier journalists over the past 60 years, Mr Martin is also a former Chairman of the Fred Hollows Foundation, a former Member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, a patron of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, a former Director of the Shane Warne Foundation, Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, and a patron for the Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Member Co. and Football Club Chairman, Nicholas Pappas AM, thanked Mr Martin for his hard work and support which has spanned much more than his 19 years in an official capacity.

“Few have contributed as much, and for so long, to the Rabbitohs as Ray Martin. In the most difficult of times, Ray pinned his hard-won media reputation to the fortunes of the Club and, in so doing, inspired thousands to follow his lead and join with us in the fight for reinstatement.

“I know that Ray will never be far from our side, but it is only fitting that I express on behalf of our Members our undying appreciation to Ray for his fortitude, his humility and his unshakeable loyalty to the Rabbitohs and everything our Club stands for.

“Thank you, Ray.”

The Club will be organising a special event to acknowledge Mr Martin’s significant contribution on a date to be appointed in the second half of the 2025 season.

Casual Vacancy Appointment – Sam Skontos

As it is empowered to do under its constitution, the Board has resolved to fill the casual vacancy created by Mr Martin’s retirement with the appointment of well-known and respected Member, Sam Skontos, who will occupy the vacant seat until the next ballot for directors which is scheduled to take place in early 2026.

Mr Skontos, a former principal of Club major sponsors Alcatel and TCL, has been a supporter of the Rabbitohs for over 55 years and has over 30 years of experience in management and Directorships, mainly in the industrial automation, telecommunications and technology industries, with a focus on strategy, business management, marketing and sponsorship.

Mr Skontos is currently the CEO and Director of IQU Group; CEO and Executive Director of Synefon (Australasia); a non-Executive Director of the Gift of Life Foundation Australia; Advisory Board Member of Elladex; a non-executive Director of Ziinkle.

“I am delighted that Mr Skontos has accepted the Board’s invitation to fill the casual vacancy until the next scheduled ballot,” Mr Pappas said.

“Sam is a rusted-on Rabbitohs supporter who will bring his significant business and management expertise to the Board. I join with my fellow Board members in extending to Sam a very warm welcome.”