19th September 2014

South Sydney is awash with red and green this morning (Thursday), as Randwick City Council raise Rabbitohs banners across the area in preparation for next Friday night’s massive Preliminary Final clash. A total of 140 Rabbitohs banners are now in place across Rabbitohs strong-holds such as; Kingsford, Maroubra Junction, Maroubra Beach, Matraville, Kensington and Coogee, leaving no doubt to passers-by that this is South Sydney. The impressive sight of banners waving in the Spring breeze wasn’t lost on Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire this morning, with Madge admitting that the show of support by both Council and Members and supporters is well and truly felt by his team. “Those sorts of things are well and truly felt internally by all of us,” said the Rabbitohs mentor. “The way our Members and supporters got behind us against Manly was outstanding. Now the next step is in front of us in the Preliminary Final, and to have Randwick Council and everyone behind us really shows the level of passion, family and unity that we have as a Club and it makes a huge difference.” Maguire is urging Rabbitohs Members and supporters everywhere to outwardly show their passion by donning their red and green as his side prepares to take on either the North Queensland Cowboys, or the Sydney Roosters in next Friday’s (September 26) Preliminary Final at ANZ Stadium. “We need everyone to get behind us again,” urged Madge. “The more red and green that we can get, not only as flags, but in the shop-fronts, in the street, in your car, in your house – bring it all on, because it makes a difference!” “We’re focussed on our preparation and performing the best that we can in this next game and to have everyone uniting behind us in the background and showing their support is enormous for us.” The raising of the flags today follows a community consultation period by Randwick Mayor, Scott Nash, whose ‘Turfwar’ asked residents and footy fans whether Rabbitohs or Roosters banners should be flown at Coogee Beach. The Rabbitohs saw a groundswell of support in all geographic areas included in the survey – Arden St Coogee, ANZAC Pde/Todman Avenue Kensington, Clovelly Beach, and Alison Park Randwick. Out of the 4887 participants surveyed, 3561 voted to keep Coogee red and green, while 1120 voted for the banners to be Roosters ones. A small 186 respondents voted for the banners to be alternated between the two foundation clubs, while 20 had no opinion.