It was the South Sydney Rabbitohs' determination to get back into the NRL competition some 19 years ago that lit the spark in little four-year-old Russell Moriarty’s eyes.
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From that moment on, Moriarty was destined to fly the red and green flag.
Russell has always been a fan of rugby league and proudly cheers for the bunnies all year round.
He has been a club member since 2009 and is that dedicated his birthday gift each year is to watch his team play live.
Dependent on the game result, Russell says being in amongst fellow South fans at a live match is certainly something.
“It’s good because they’re [South fans] all nuts,” he said.
“They’re very passionate people.
The atmosphere is better in Mudgee though because the grounds are a lot smaller than what they are in Sydney. You’re closer to the action.
- Russell Moriarty
When asked who his favourite player of all time is, Moriarty was quick to rattle off a name.
“Sam Burgess,” he nominated.
“He’s just so courageous under fire, and played with that broken cheekbone in a grand final, and he’s also from what I hear a nice family man.
“I also like Adam Reynolds, Greg Inglis, Damien Cook, and also the new coach Wayne Bennett.
I think the super coach has still got it.
Russell isn’t alone with his love for the bunnies as he has a group of others who also cheer for Souths.
His favourite Rabbitohs moments of all time eventually came out after a brief moment of reflection.
Moriarty named the 2014 grand final against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs where they dominated in a 30-6 win, and the 2010 clash against the West Tigers where the bunnies won in the final golden point moment.
“I think that’s [2010 game] probably one of the greatest games of rugby league I’ve seen live, the greatest,” Russell preached.
“It was end-to-end football, Benji Marshall was in his prime and he was the best player in the world at the time. He was so hard to stop as well.”
The super fan booked his 2019 Charity Shield tickets the moment they went on sale. If that isn’t true love, then I don’t know what is.
“I’m yet to do the house up,” Moriarty said.
“I'm very excited.”
With last year's 22-18 Charity Shield win claimed by South Sydney in front of 9133 NRL fans, Moriarty is feeling confident they can pull it off once again.
Russell predicts a full-time score of 28-18, in favour of South Sydney.
I will love them till the day I die.
Souths take on the Dragons in the 36th annual Charity Shield on Saturday March 2 at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium, Mudgee. Kick-off is scheduled for 7.30pm.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
