2022 Rabbitoh News - Chee-Kam and Hawkins Contract Extension

Chee-Kam and Hawkins Contract 2023 Extensions

19th August 2022

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the contract extensions of international back rower Michael Chee Kam and South Sydney junior Dean Hawkins for the 2023 season.

Chee Kam, 30, has had the opportunity to play two first grade matches with the Rabbitohs in season 2022, but his experience and character around the playing group has been invaluable throughout his first season with the Club, thus earning him a contract extension. Michael has played 96 NRL games in his career with the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles and Wests Tigers, as well as three Test matches for Samoa since making his first grade debut in 2014.

Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, says Chee Kam’s experience is welcome at the Club. "Unfortunately ‘Cheeks’ hasn’t been able to play the amount of football he would have liked to in 2022 but we know that when he gets on the park he is an NRL-quality player every day of the week," Mr Ellison said. "He’s found a home here at South Sydney and we look forward to seeing him back on the field in the red and green jersey for the rest of this season and next."

Hawkins, 23, has earned a top 30 contract with the Rabbitohs for the 2023 season having trained with Rabbitohs’ top squad throughout 2022, playing halfback in the round 22 victory over the Parramatta Eels. A Matraville Tigers junior from the South Sydney district, Hawkins has played four NRL matches since making his debut against the Broncos in round five, 2021. Hawkins won the Club’s NSW Cup player of the year award in 2021 and is leading many of the key statistics across the entire NSW Cup competition in 2022.

Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, says Hawkins’ football smarts are welcome at the Club. "Dean has been a great servant to the Club over a number of years now, progressing through the grades from Junior Bunnies up to first grade. He’s a South Sydney junior that loves the Club and we’re looking forward to working with him again next season."

Ref - SSFC [Viewed 20 Aug 2022] / FN-1