RABBITOHS ENDORSE COUNCIL'S PLANS FOR REDFERN OVAL

The redevelopment of Redfern Park will provide the South Sydney Football Club with a state-of-the-art training centre as well as a first-class venue for junior football.

"We have worked closely with Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the Council to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for the Redfern Oval site," Rabbitohs Executive Chairman Peter Holmes a Court said. "We continue to work closely with Council in the finalisation of the design for the training facilities, together with the long term licence and management agreements which together will establish a much needed home for the Rabbitohs."

The new state-of-the-art training centre will provide the Rabbitohs with the very best facilities for its players, coaching and support staff and enable the Club to perform at an optimum level.

"We are also working closely with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) to keep them informed on the redevelopment of the old Redfern Oval and, following a meeting this week, have formally written to the CFMEU thanking them for their ongoing support and outlining our support of the proposed redevelopment. We are confident that all parties can work together to have the Red and Green Ban on the site lifted to allow demolition and construction to take place," Mr Holmes a Court added.

"We have been using the concept plans and designs for Redfern Park as a recruitment tool this year, and players, managers and administrators have been highly impressed with the concepts. The proposed new training centre will establish a new bench mark for player facilities within Rugby League. As a Club we look forward to our Return to Redfern in 2008 and once again being an integral part of the South Sydney Community."

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are the most successful Club in Rugby League. Established in 1908, the South Sydney Club has won 20 first grade premierships and provided 62 internationals for the Australian side, and have famously worn their cardinal red and myrtle green colours since inception. In 1925,South Sydney was dubbed 'The Pride of the League' and the Rabbitohs are known as this to this day. The rebirth of the Rabbitohs began on 7 June, 2006 through a new partnership between Russell Crowe, Peter Holmes a Court and the 8000 Members of the Club.

Also see www.souths.com.au