Since Russell Crowe bought the club they have seen a dramatic and stylish resurgence not in keeping with their historical image which is more reflected in their name - the Rabbitohs.
They were one of the foundation club's of the Sydney focussed league (1908) and effectively from the wrong side of town around Redfern as the area housed mainly the poor in these days - and continued to recent decades. The stories have it that especially during the depression years that rabbit was a low cost source of food and was readily sold in tougher hotels around the south of the city.
The guy who came in to sell them would announce himself as "the Rabbitoh". Thereby to be forever the association with 'the struggler' image.
The club battled hard to survive financially into the 1980's and were effectively removed from the competition much to the chagrin of their loyal supporters, who successfully managed to turn that situation around. This included marches through the city and up to the town hall steps. Many well known, well heeled supporters came out of the woodwork at that time and would help with that struggle.
This period saw private funding dramatically enter the scene to rescue the club - eventually to end with Russell Crowe's ownership - himself a lifelong supporter. A new trend in NRL circles then emerged along the lines of other overseas sports franchises.
Crowe has dramatically changed the image and in some ways has taken 'the brand' to the world. The team now features two of the best players in the game Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess.
So how will they stand up to the pressure come Sunday against Canterbury? ...a regular premiership winner over the recent decades. Well, we'll see come Sunday. But I reckon most people would love to see them get up again off the canvas (Bulldog supporters excluded of course).
The Anthem in case anyone has forgotten the words:
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
South Sydney Marches On
When speaking of the champions
One stands above the rest
Of glories old and records proud
When often put to test
Of fine traditions, history
That others cannot best
They wear the red and green
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
