Bunnies Hop Home

The Return to Redfern game, a preseason trial match against the Wests Tigers, has been heavily supported by fans. But supporters would like to see the Rabbitohs make a permanent move back to their stamping ground instead of the ANZ Stadium at Home-bush. Nonetheless, South Sydney fan group The Burrow have banded together to support their team, pledging to get to home games whether out west or at Redfern.

"Returning to Redfern Oval feels like we have come full circle and are now back at the starting point of where all the magic began," vice-president Michelle Booth said. "This is were they should play all of their home games - it seems silly that they don't make it their permanent fixture as it has all the facilities, is close to transport and will benefit the local community who have stuck by the team through all its ups and downs."

Supporter Valerie Manning echoed those thoughts, saying she believed Redfern would be packed out every home game. "Through these hard economic times people turn to sport," Ms Manning said. "By making Redfern the home ground it would give the local community something to take their mind off the problems."

It is 22 years since the Rabbitohs played their last home game at Redfern Oval. With ground capacity for this game being limited to 5,000, many fans will miss out. Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said the club was looking forward to the return.

"The Rabbitohs have played some fantastic matches against both the Balmain Tigers and the Western Suburbs Magpies on Redfern Oval over the years and this will be a day to recognise the history of the ground," he said.

REDFERN OVAL

1885 - Site proclaimed for public recreation and named Redfern Park. Cricket and rugby union are played.

1903 - Victor Trumper plays one of the most famous innings in Australian cricket history with 335 in three hours. A window that was broken by a huge six remained broken for more than 60 years as a tribute.

1948 - The South Sydney Rugby League team starts to play home games at Redfern Park. Their first match there is a 19 all draw with Easts. 1987 - The record crowd of 23,257 enters the ground for a Souths vs Manly match.

1987 - Rabbitohs play last home game of a full season against the Canberra Raiders.

1992 - Prime Minister Paul Keating delivers his famous Redfern Park speech to commemorate International Year of the Worlds Indigenous People. 1996 - Souths play their last competition match at Redfern. They beat the South Queensland Crushers 48-16