Mario Fenech new Membership Ambassador
29th October 2007
Life Member and former captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Mario Fenech will be the Rabbitohs' Membership Ambassador for the 2008 Centenary Season. Fenech will be out amongst the Rabbitohs faithful, spreading the messages of Membership and how important becoming a Member is to the future success of the Club.
"The Falcon" is a passionate South Sydney supporter, having grown up in the district and learned his football with South Sydney Juniors side the Mascot Jets before going on to represent the Rabbitohs and NSW. Mario will be the public face of the Rabbitohs extensive Membership drive which will span the internet with a website blog, public appearances, home game presentations, online video, and mainstream media appearances. Fenech says he is very excited about his new role with his Club, duties he will perform above and beyond his full-time role with the NRL.
"Season 2007 was an unbelievable year to be a Rabbitohs fan and it's time for the punters to come together and help spur the team on to more success, the best way for the fans to do this is to become an SSFC Member," Fenech said. "One thing I am proud of is that South Sydney is a people's team and to make South Sydney a force in the future we need the people to grow our Membership base. After working with the Membership Department at Souths, I really believe we are providing value for money. It's the Members that are central to any success the Club has. I'm really excited about working with the team at Souths and encouraging all fans to become a Member, to come to the games and make a real contribution to the team."
Mario's first public appearance in his new role with the Club will be at the Rabbitohs' Membership Drive at Coogee Beach on Saturday November 3 from 1pm to 3pm. Fenech will join Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson, Head Coach Jason Taylor and Rabbitohs players John Sutton and others in communicating the Membership message to the locals of South Sydney in Coogee.
The Rabbitohs double-decker bus will be on hand, as will the NRL?s Membership Mobile with heaps of activities for the kids. Fans can sign up to become an SSFC Member on the day and meet some of the Rabbitohs best current and former players. All Rabbitohs Members and fans are encouraged to come down to Coogee Beach on Saturday November 3 from 1pm to 3pm and kick off the new season by signing up for SSFC Membership, if you haven?t already, and bring down your friends and family to join up on the day.Crowe drums up USA membership
Russell Crowe's made a guest appearance on ESPN during America's Monday Night Football coverage. This proved a financial boost to Souths. Eighty per cent of merchandise sold this week (nearly 150 jumpers) were snapped up by new Rabbitohs fans throughout the US. They purchased the jerseys on the internet.
Souths fans want to stay at Telstra
Cheaper parking, meat pies and beer have South Sydney poised to remain at Telstra Stadium beyond next season. Despite a previously-stated desire to return to the Sydney Football Stadium after the club's three-year deal with Telstra, Rabbitohs executive chairman Peter Holmes a Court last night confessed he had "moved toward" keeping Souths at the Homebush Olympic venue. "I live within walking distance of the SFS, but fans are telling us they like Telstra," Holmes a Court said. "Our fans have embraced the venue. The other thing I find strange is that Aussie Stadium have made no attempt to talk to me since Russell (Crowe) and I took over. I can only assume there are some people there, perhaps the Roosters, who do not want us back there." In contrast to the outcry that accompanied the move west two years ago, online fan polls now reveal 74 per cent of fans prefer Telstra Stadium. "They like the fact it's quick to get in and out and the parking, beer and pies are cheaper," Holmes a Court said. "So suddenly they are saying, 'Hey, we like this place'."
Officials were also overwhelmed by the crowd of 32,000 at the club's final 2007 home game against the Roosters. Fronting the launch of Souths' centenary season membership drive yesterday, "We averaged the biggest home crowd since 1974 at Telstra last year," Richardson said. "I don't think there's many people that would have thought we could have got 32,000 to a home game at Homebush against the Roosters. "One of the other problems is that Russell wants to get 50,000 to every home game."
The Rabbitohs' revamped membership packages at Telstra Stadium, also include free entry to away games hosted by co-tenants St George-Illawarra, the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers in season ticket membership the package.