Why are the Rabbitohs wearing a different logo? South Sydney to honour John Sattler against Manly

Liam O'Loughlin

Why are the Rabbitohs wearing a different logo? South Sydney to honour John Sattler against Manly image

South Sydney will honour the late John Sattler on Saturday night, with the foundation club to face old rivals Manly at Accor Stadium. 

Sattler passed away at the age of 80 earlier this week, leading to an outpouring of tributes for one of the Rabbitohs greatest-ever players.

The uncompromising front-rower played 197 games for the cardinal and myrtle, captaining the Bunnies to four premierships during his brilliant career.

Sattler also represented Australia on four occasions, NSW on four occasions and QLD on four occasions.

His most famous moment came in the 1970 grand final against the Sea Eagles, with Sattler suffering a broken jaw in the opening few minutes, but remained on the field to inspire his side to a hard-fought victory. 

Souths will pay tribute to one of their finest players on Saturday, March 25th by wearing a significant piece of the club's 115-year history. 

Why are the Rabbitohs wearing a different logo?

South Sydney will pay tribute to John Sattler by wearing the famous 'torn Rabbit' logo on their jumper, which is synonymous with his performance in the 1970 grand final against the Sea Eagles. 

It is believed that at some stage during Sattler's heroic performance - which included a broken jaw in the third minute of the game - half of the Rabbitohs logo was ripped off his jersey in a tackle. 

The club were granted permission from the NRL to wear the commemorative piece, as well as a jersey featuring a while collar, similar to the one worn in that grand final, for the clash with Manly. 

Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly spoke about the gesture, confirming spectators will join a round of applause in the 13th minute - the number Sattler wore in his playing days.

“It is very important that we pay tribute to one of the greats of not only our club, but of the game, in John Sattler and it just so happens that we are playing Manly-Warringah, a club with which John had a long and storied history,” Solly said.

“The outpouring of emotion and the heartfelt tributes for John over the past few days have been amazing for everyone at the Club and for John’s family.

“We encourage all Rabbitohs Members and supporters, as well as any Rugby League or sports fans that respected the great man, to come out to Accor Stadium on Saturday night and be part of this wonderful night honouring one of the truly great advocates for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the game of Rugby League.”

Who is John Sattler?

John Sattler is one of South Sydney's greatest players and sits in the top 10 for appearances in the club's lengthy history.

The prop played 197 games for the Rabbitohs and captained them to four grand finals.

Recognised as one of the best players of his era, Sattler was as humble and gentle off the field as he was tough on it.

His performance in the 1970 grand final against the Sea Eagles has been etched into rugby league folklore, with Sattler playing 77 minutes with a broken jaw. 

“If anyone is to epitomize the true spirit of the South Sydney Rabbitohs it is John Sattler,” club chairman Nick Pappas said on Monday.

"He bled red and green. He would do anything for his team mates. He never took a backwards step. He always led from the front.

“He was loved by everyone connected with the Rabbitohs, whether it be one of his former team mates who he led to Premiership glory, or the man in the street who loved South Sydney just as much as he did.

“He was tough and brave but fair, uncompromising on the field and empathetic off it, and he truly epitomized everything that we want the Rabbitohs to be.

“His favourite saying was ‘I play to win – everyone knows that.’ There is nothing more ‘South Sydney Rabbitohs’ than that. He always held the Rabbitohs dear to his heart and everyone here at the Rabbitohs always held ‘Satts’ dear to ours.

“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to his son Scott and the entire Sattler family, his former team mates, and all of his friends that he has touched over the years."

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When is the NRL today? Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles kickoff time

Sydney/Melbourne

Brisbane

Adelaide

Perth

New Zealand

7.35pm

6.35pm

7.05pm

4.35pm

9.35pm

How to watch or live stream Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles

Fox League will exclusively broadcast the game on Saturday.

Coverage will start from 7pm AEDT, with kick off scheduled for 7.35pm AEDT. 

Kayo Sports will also stream the game live. 

TV channel

Fox League

Live stream

Kayo Sports/9Now

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.