Perth Games Continue into 2010-11
28th July 2009
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce that the NRL team will play one home competition fixture each year for the next two seasons at Members Equity Stadium, Perth’s premier rectangular sporting venue. South Sydney took on the Melbourne Storm in round 14 of the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2009, a match that was widely regarded as a resounding success. Over 15,000 sports fans turned out to Members Equity Stadium on Saturday 13 June for the NRL fixture, with the success of the event and the associated activities leading South Sydney to commit to games in Western Australia for the next two seasons. “We are delighted to be able to announce that we’ll be taking two home games to Perth over the next two seasons,” South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson said today. “Our venture to Perth in 2009 was an unmitigated success. “Over 15,000 people came to watch one of the most entertaining matches of the season, where they got to see six of the current State of Origin players plus seven New Zealand representatives play for their respective Clubs. “We had over 300 school children, WARL Academy players, Members and supporters come to Members Equity Stadium on the Friday before the match and watch the team train, and then have the opportunity to meet the players and coaches and get autographs and photos with them. “The support shown for the game of Rugby League and for our Club was immense. We attracted new Members and corporate support to the Club, and supporters to the game itself. We look forward to building on that for the next two seasons.” Mr Richardson said the NRL also behind the move to shift one game per season to Perth, indicating they are watching the interest in, and the development of, the game in the nation’s west. “The National Rugby League is very supportive of South Sydney bringing a game here each season and with their support we’re able to put on a great game day and highlight the attractions of Rugby League,” Mr Richardson said. “We’re also supportive of the WARL’s bid for a team in the NRL competition in the not too distant future. “With the proposed upgrades to the venue, Members Equity Stadium is the perfect ground out of which the expansion Club formed could play. “We were blown away by just how successful the trip to the west coast was for us and for Rugby League in 2009, and we’re very happy to be able to bring two more games west to Members Equity Stadium in 2010 and 2011.”