My Rabbitoh Journey
Let me introduce myself … My name is Greg Allan, lifelong South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter and new contributor to Bunnies TV. Some of you may have read my Summer League Preview that featured on the site a week or two ago. I reached out to Mavo and the team with the article in the hope that I could contribute and give something back to them. Rabbitohs Radio and now Bunnies TV have been an excellent resource for me and other Souths fans and I was keen to give something back to the amazing service they provide.
The Plan
The plan for me is to provide a weekly article which will be NRL based with a definite South Sydney slant. Most likely a re-cap of the previous NRL round that will hopefully give a bit of insight into the form of other teams and the progression of the overall competition. Possibly something to help with tipping comps and a discussion point for Souths fans. I’m a teacher by trade but I enjoy writing. I’ve had a few music articles published and run a tipping comp where I like to keep my members informed with the goings on of the NRL. We’ll see how we go and what comes out!
My History
My history as a Souths fan is probably different to most as I’ve never lived in the South Sydney district. However, listening to the interviews on the podcast over the years there’s been many fan stories that were similar to mine. I grew up in the Parramatta district in the 80’s. Everything in that time was coated in blue and gold as the Eels were well and truly at their peak. I couldn’t have them though, something in my nature pushed me to want something different. The Red and Green and the Rabbit emblem captivated me and for better or worse the Rabbitohs were my team.
My first match was Parramatta v Souths at a jam-packed Parramatta Stadium in 1986. I was only 10 at the time but I was immediately hooked on the atmosphere and passion of live rugby league. That game was somewhat legendary as the two top sides went at it, with plenty of biffo and sin bins with the game ultimately ending in a 12-12 draw. Check out some highlights from this epic match here..
Since that day I’ve been a regular at Souths matches, going all round NSW with my Rabbitoh mate Andy in the 90’s. Whilst in high school, we went to every Bunnies game we could, watching all three grades and travelling everywhere on the train. In the late 90’s I bought one of George’s $50 season tickets and have held it ever since. Bit more expensive than 50 bucks these days but still excellent value!
These days, I sit in aisle 129 at ANZ with a bunch of close Souths friends. People who I met during the fightback years and we’ve stayed friends ever since. I was lucky enough to see the 2014 GF win with that group of Rabbitohs and it was fantastic to share the experience with them. Like all of you I’m sure, there were a lot of tough times on the way to that premiership win but we got there and I was there to see it. Here’s my mate Andy’s brilliant recount of that special day..
Of course now some of my group, including myself, have now had kids. They now join us in Bay 129 each game and are just as one-eyed and passionate as us. It makes me so proud to see my son ride the highs and lows of being a Souths fan. Lucky for him it’s mostly highs these days – that wasn’t always the case for me growing up… My daughter’s love for the Bunnies is also growing, especially when Damien Cook is involved! Anyway, here’s to a great season for our boys.
The Dragons were pretty woeful in the Shield but we certainly looked dialed in and much more ready than this time last year. Also, I was encouraged by Penrith’s not-so-impressive performance. I know it’s only pre-season but hopefully we can get over the top of them and everyone else in 2023….
Look out for my report on Round 1 in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you’re into music why not check out my music articles?
‘Uncool Dad’
Glory Glory.
My Rabbitoh Journey
By Greg Allan for Bunnies TV.
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