Inaugural Eric Simms Medal
The inaugural Eric Simms Medal will be presented to the player-of-the-match following the Rabbitohs vs Eels Indigenous Round match this Friday the 19th of May on Bidjigal land at Allianz Stadium.
The Eric Simms Medal pays tribute to one the South Sydney Rabbitohs greatest Aboriginal Rugby League players the legendary Eric Simms.
Four Time Premiership Winner
Mr Simms played in six Grand Finals for the Rabbitohs between 1965 and 1971, winning four Premierships in 1967, 1968, 1970 and 1971. Eric was named the man-of-the-match in the 1968 Grand Final.
The goalkicking fullback played 206 first grade games for South Sydney. He scored 23 tries, 802 goals and additionally kicked 87 field goals for a total of 1841 points. This Club record has, not surprisingly stood for 46 years.
Rabbitoh #540
Mr Simms is Rabbitohs first grade player number #540. He was such a significantly prolific points scorer that the New South Wales Rugby League changed the rules. The value of a field goal was reduced from two points down to one point to try to halt his overall domination of scoreboards across the league.
Mr Simms also played nine Test matches for Australia in 1968 and 1970 and represented New South Wales in 1968.
Selected By GI & JT
The Eric Simms Medal will henceforth be presented to the player-of-the-match at all future Rabbitohs home games played in Indigenous Round. This year, the Eric Simms Medal will be selected by two of the sport’s greatest ever players. Proud Aboriginal men Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston.
Following the game the Eric Simms Medal will be presented by Mr Simms’ children, daughter Chelsea and son Nathan, in a post- match presentation. This will complete what certainly promises to be a stellar game day celebrating and highlighting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia.
A Towering Figure
Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, says there is no one more fitting to have this medal named after him than Eric Simms.
“Eric Simms is indeed a towering figure at our Club and in Rugby League,” Mr Solly said.
“For nearly half a century he held the record as our greatest points scorer. His family continues to live on Bidjigal land with connections to the Rabbitohs. His cousin, Aunty Barb Simms, will perform the Welcome to Country on Friday night. We are also honoured to have his son Nathan and daughter Chelsea presenting the player-of-the-match with the medal named in their father’s honour.
“He is without doubt one of the greats of our Club. We are delighted to have a man that wore his fullback jersey after him and another brilliant Aboriginal player in Greg Inglis, join one of the game’s future Immortals in Johnathan Thurston, selecting the winner.
Culture Celebration
“Everyone at the Rabbitohs cannot wait for Friday night’s game where we have the opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture in the best way possible on Bidjigal land in South Sydney territory at the new Allianz Stadium.
“Make sure you get your tickets soon as a big crowd is expected at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. We don’t want anyone considering coming to the game then subsequently missing out by not snapping up their tickets early.”
Tickets are available by visiting Ticketek, by calling 132 849 or by visiting a Ticketek outlet. Corporate hospitality for this game at Allianz Stadium is also available from the Rabbitohs. Visit Rabbitohs Corporate, by emailing hospitality@rabbitohs.com.au or by calling (02) 8306 9997.
Inaugural Eric Simms Medal.
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
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