Rabbitohs International Member Has Deep Ties to Club
Words: Tom Skolarikis I Photos: Rabbitohs
Tuesday 29 October 2013 1:04 PM
Rabbitohs International Member Has Deep Ties to Club
Think of the least likely place youd find a truly passionate Rabbitohs Member. We certainly know a few who have Stood Above the Rest and become International Members. Martin Wesson from Germany though is an international Member with his own unique tie to the red and greens.
My grandfather was Alf O'Connor, five times premiership winner with Souths and an Australian rep, says Martin proudly.
His pride is well placed, for not only did Alf help South Sydney to five Premierships during one of the Clubs most successful eras, he was a part of one of the Rabbitohs greatest ever forward packs that included the great George Treweek, Alby Carr, Ern Lapham Eddie Root and Harry Cavanough the nucleus of a pack that took Premierships between 1925 and 1929. Alfs brother Frank was also a proud Rabbitoh who represented Australia.
Despite the obvious distance between Sydney and Berlin in addition to the lack of Rugby League Martins special tie to the Rabbitohs is never far from his mind, with the proud Member, now 51, admitting that his country and his team are never far from his mind thanks to his local upbringing and his cherished childhood memories.
I grew up in Kensington and was exposed to Souths from a very early age, says Martin.
I'm now 51 years old and have been living in Berlin since 1986 when I came here as part of my studies at UNSW.
Over the years I've been asked many times what I think of Australia, and my answer goes something like this: I miss my family and friends, the weather, the beauty of Sydney Harbour and Bondi Beach, and... South Sydney rugby league team, says Martin.
For Martin, keeping ties to the Rabbitohs through his International Membership has been more than just a show of support, but a way of thanking his Club for the special memories that he has of his team. And with digital media now making information readily available, keeping up with the Rabbitohs has become easy.
I check the emails sent to me by the club with links to the official club website and skim other papers, says Martin.
Twenty five years ago, I used to go into the Australian consulate and read two month old newspapers!
With his unwavering passion for the Club, Martin hasnt stopped there, instead doing his best to convert Germany to the Rabbitohs.
When I encourage people here to join the club I argue that it doesn't cost so much, and they'll get a keyring, cap and other goodies, he beams.
The Germans then look at the eccentric Australian uncertainly and shake their heads a little.
Easy ways to Stand Above the Rest in 2014:
Renewing or joining on a Membership has never been easier. Dont forget the affordable Rolling Rabbit Payment Plan option where you can pay for your Membership over monthly instalments.
WEB: membership.rabbitohs.com.au
PHONE: Membership Team on 1300 SOUTHS (1300 768 847)
IN PERSON: Visit the Membership Team at Level 4 261-265 Chalmers Street Redfern (M-F 9am-5pm)
http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news-display/Rabbitohs-International-Member-Has-Deep-Ties-to-Club/86584
Just renewed me and my wife's also getting a mate a supporter membership he does not know about just yet 
Never ended up going to the GF too, was too depressed. Hopefully be back in March, and catch up with you and the big fella on round 1 maybe.
