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SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Rugby League has always been a traditional and historical Aboriginal sport, the most known and popular Indigenous rugby league team in the NRL is the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the team has a huge history behind its name, and is was brought up in the home of Redfern. The team debuted back in 1908 at Birchgrove oval vs North Sydney where they won 11-7.
Nathan Merrit a historic and very popular is one of the South Sydney Rabbitohs most valuable players, Nathan being a joint-winner of player of the year in 2008, he has proven himself to be one of the top best Wing/Fullbacks in the NRL. Nathan was born on 26th May 1983, he was brought up in the heart of Redfern, Rabbitohs territory. Nathan had a traditional Aboriginal history and is very in-touch with his culture. In his younger years, he played for the Alexandria Rovers at a young age, and was always a Souths supporter.
Chris Sandow is a new addition to the Souths lineup, in his Debut season of 2008, he represented the Indigenous Dreamteam and won Rookie of the Year, Chris only being 20 years old was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, and moved down to Sydney to play first-grade rubgy league. Chris shows that talent and persistant can make dreams come through, Chris should be a rolemodel to any teenagers looking to play first-grade football. Chris has been a great sucess for the Souths, currently playing in Halfback position, he is one of the "go-to" men in the team.
ABORIGINAL SPORT AND HERITAGE
Currently in the NRL, 10% of the league, are Aboriginal or have Aboriginal history or tradition. Rugby league is a huge part of Aboriginal Sport and very popular throughout kids and teenagers. Junior clubs like Souths Juniors, Rabbitohs Juniors and Redfern Allbacks all have a Aboriginal background, and these are the teams and players that may one day represent the Souths in first-grade football.
An interview with a x-player of the Redfern Allblacks with an Aboriginal Background - Malcolm. Q. How many kids in the team are Aboriginal or have somekind of Aboriginal background? A. Well almost everybody in the team has somekind of Aboriginal background, and even the people that dont, are treated the same as others, the team is like a family, we are all close, and are all friends outside the team. Q. How long have you been playing for the Redfern Allblacks? A. About 3 years, I grew up in Redfern, so the Allblacks was always going to be my team. Q. Does the league have a impact on the Aboriginal community? A. Well, it brings people together, and provides entertainment to the community, also is a great way to scout new talent through the community. Q. Why did you chose Rugby league over sports like AFL and Soccer? A. Ive always liked contact sport and always found my talent in Rugby league. Q. Is Rugby league, the most popular sport for Aboriginal kids? A. Well in Sydney, It is very popular, but maybe in other areas, sports like AFL or even Soccer, could be more popular, it just depends on the community and what they are into. Q. Would you be intrested in playing first-grade football? A. Ofcourse, Rugby league has always been my passion, and playing first-grade football would be one of my biggest dreams. Q. Who is your favourite team in the NRL? A. Well, theres a few but most probably the Souths or the Tigers.
Bibliograpghy: www.nrl.com.au www.google.com.au (pictures). www.rabbitohs.com.au www.southjuniors.com.au Interview with Malcolm Nelson on the Redfern Allblacks.
By Michael Paripont - ABS ONE Aboriginal Studies Assessment Task Hertiage & Indenity
