Luke, Champion 2009-11 Contract Extensions
9th February 2009
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce that young stars Issac Luke and Beau Champion have extended their playing contracts with the Club until the end of the 2011 season. Both players have been priority re-signings for the Club, with both deals finalised in the past fortnight. Luke made his international debut last year playing for the Kiwis in the Anzac Test, before starring in New Zealand’s World Cup victory at season’s end. Issac was awarded the New Zealand Rugby League’s International Rookie of the Year award in 2008 following his performances in the Anzac Test and the Rugby League World Cup. Luke’s rise has been rapid, making his first grade debut mid-season in 2007. Champion came of age in 2008, finding a home for himself at centre in the Rabbitohs backline. Beau is a South Sydney junior from the South Eastern Seagulls Club, graduating through the junior representative ranks to wear the red and green in 2005. Champion won the Souths Cares award in 2007 for services to the community, as well as being named the Rabbitohs’ Clubman of the Year in 2008. “We are delighted to announce the re-signing of both Beau and Issac today,” Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said prior to the Return to Redfern trial match at Redfern Oval. “Both of these players have developed into regular first graders at South Sydney, with Issac going on to represent his country and to win a World Cup. “We saw them both as important parts of this Club’s future and we are delighted to announce their contract extensions in front of our Members at Redfern Oval today.” Luke is pleased to have his future secured for the next three seasons. “I love playing here at the Rabbitohs and I’m very happy to be here for the next three years,” Luke said. “These guys are like brothers to me and it’s an honour to pull on the South Sydney jersey each week.” Champion is equally as honoured to represent South Sydney week-in and week-out. “I’ve always wanted to play for South Sydney and to have the opportunity to do so for the next three seasons is a dream come true,” Champion said. “I’m a South Sydney junior and it’s every kids dream to play in the NRL, and for me to be able to do that and play for my Club the Rabbitohs is truly an honour.”