Rabbitohs re-sign 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.”
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.”
Biography:
Name: John Sutton
Date of Birth: 5 November 1984
Place of Birth: Sydney, NSW
Height: 190cm
Weight: 105kg
Position: Second row, five-eighth, lock
Junior Club: Kensington United
Rep Honours: NSW State of Origin squad (2013); two games for City Origin (2008-09); Prime
Minister’s XIII (2009)
Awards: George Piggins Medallist (2009, 2012-13); Coaches Award (2008); Supporters'
Choice Award (2005)
Honours: Most capped first grade player at the South Sydney Rabbitohs (282 games)
Most capped player at the South Sydney Rabbitohs in all grades (310 games)
Premierships: One (2014 – captain)
NRL Games: 282 (all for the Rabbitohs)
NRL Points: 235 (from 55 tries, seven goals and one field goal)
NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, 4 July 2004 (Rd 17)
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