The South Sydney Rabbitohs have today confirmed that their round 12 home game against the Parramatta Eels in the NRL’s Indigenous Round will be played at Accor Stadium on Wangal/Gadigal land, the Rabbitohs’ current home ground, on Saturday 25 May at 7:35pm.
This game was played at Allianz Stadium in 2023, a stadium located in the South Sydney district on Gadigal/Bidjigal land, however due to A-League soccer finals bookings, Venues NSW, the NSW Government agency responsible for the management of both Accor Stadium and Allianz Stadium, have informed the Rabbitohs that it is not feasible for the Indigenous Round game to be played at Allianz Stadium. This decision takes into consideration the respective ladder positions of the NSW-based A-League teams this year and their potential to host the A-League grand final at Allianz Stadium.
Last year over 27,000 people attended Allianz Stadium for the Indigenous Round match between the Rabbitohs and the Eels, and this year the Club will work with Venues NSW to create an event which will attract a larger crowd in 2024.
Blake Solly"We’re disappointed not to be able to take our Indigenous Round home game back into the South Sydney district in 2024, however we are absolutely committed to reproducing, and even outdoing, the atmosphere that we created last year at this year’s game at Accor Stadium, in conjunction with the team at Venues NSW"
“We will be seeking the support of Venues NSW to ensure this match appropriately pays tribute to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people that have given so much to Rugby League, our sporting landscape and our society, such as Cathy Freeman after whom a grandstand is named at Accor Stadium, by celebrating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture at this game. We know Venues NSW share our appetite to make this match an important part of the Sydney sporting landscape, and a marquee event in the annual calendar.
“We currently have nine members of our full-time playing squad with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, and Souths Cares has 18 full-time staff of which 89% are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, including the CEO. The world’s oldest living cultural runs through our veins here at the Rabbitohs and Souths Cares, and we will be celebrating in Indigenous Round, as we do every week of the year at our Club.
“Accor Stadium is our home ground at the present time and I’m sure our Members and supporters will join Parramatta fans in building a huge crowd for this game and creating a wonderful atmosphere on Saturday 25 May.”
Tickets for the Rabbitohs vs Eels Indigenous Round game are on sale now by visiting www.ticketek.com.au. Rabbitohs Ticketed Members will have their usual home game access to this match. More announcements regarding celebrations and entertainment at this match will be made in the coming weeks.
Round 12, Indigenous Round vs Parramatta Eels
Tickets now on sale
