John Sutton re-signs with Rabbitohs

STAFF WRITERS | September 21, 2017 - 12:21pm

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the re-signing of local junior John Sutton for the 2018 season, giving him the opportunity to become the first player in the Club’s history to play 300 first grade games in what will be his 15th season playing in the NRL.

Sutton is a three-time George Piggins Medallist as the player of the year at South Sydney (2009, 2012-13), has played more first grade games (282) and more grade games (310) than any other player in the Rabbitohs’ 109-year history, has represented City Origin on two occasions and the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII once; however the greatest accomplishment of his career so far is leading the Rabbitohs as captain to the 2014 premiership, the Club’s 21st title.

A Kensington United junior, Sutton is already regarded as a modern-day legend of the Club, and Rabbitohs Head Coach Anthony Seibold says Sutton’s retention is invaluable to the squad.

“John is a leader amongst our group, he’s played more games than anyone in our jersey which shows his loyalty to the Club, and those attributes are priceless to our squad,” Coach Seibold said.

“The experience he brings is instrumental to players like Cameron Murray, Zane Musgrove, Angus Crichton, Tyrell Fuimaono, Campbell Graham, Braidon Burns and Siosifa Talakai, amongst others.

“He brings a fantastic skill set, his knowledge of the game is deep and thorough, and physically he’s a big body.

“He adds depth to the back row for us alongside guys like Sam Burgess, Angus, Tyrell, Cam, Dean Britt and Sifa, but most importantly the leadership and experience he brings at the NRL level is irreplaceable.”

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Rabbitohs General Manager of Football Shane Richardson paid tribute to Sutton and looks forward to him making a valuable contribution to the Club in 2018.

“John is a key member of our leadership group and has been for some time,” Mr Richardson said.

“He is our longest serving player, he has led the Club to a premiership, he’s played more games than anyone else in the history of this Club, and he is a fantastic mentor for the young players in our squad.

“He knows what it takes to win and he’s prepared to lead the way in his preparation for games and the way that he puts every effort into every performance on the field for Souths in any role the coaching staff requires.

“He is a South Sydney man from a wonderful South Sydney family and he has shown amazing commitment to stick with the Club since 2002.”

Sutton is excited about extending his tenure with the Rabbitohs.

“I love this Club and everything it stands for and I’ve never wanted to play for anyone else,” Sutton said.

“To have the opportunity to have another year with Souths is fantastic and I want to thank everyone at the Club for having faith in me to get the job done next season.

“This Club is a big part of my life and my family’s life and it’s an absolute privilege to run out in front of our Members and represent the Club that they love just as much as I do.

“I’m looking forward to ripping in to make next season one to remember.”