Souths V Leeds Thread

[Newcastlerabbit]

Rabbitohs Jet to Jacksonville Today

16 Jan 2008

The South Sydney Rabbitohs leave for Jacksonville, Florida today for the inaugural Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida.

The 32-man squad leaves at 3:15pm this afternoon to make their way to the United States to play the UK Super League champions, as well as a ten-day training camp at UNF along with many other events and promotions throughout the 14-day tour.
The Rabbitohs would like to thank their training partner Virgin Blue for organising and donating the flights for this trip.

South Sydney’s players, coaches and selected administrative staff will celebrate the Club’s 100th birthday at the MaliVai Washington Centre in Jacksonville with a special cake-cutting ceremony as well as mixing with some of the children who use the Centre’s facilities on a day-to-day basis. The team will also undertake a ‘Day in the Life of an NFL Player’ tour at the headquarters of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who made the playoffs of the 2007-08 NFL season. A special media day and UNF reception will also be held for both teams, and the crew from Orange County Choppers, the stars of the hit US TV show American Chopper, will make a special presentation to team co-owner Russell Crowe and the Rabbitohs prior to kick off in the Australia Day Challenge.

The Rabbitohs will be promoting Sydney Australia in Florida as a tourism and business destination, with the NSW government announcing a jersey sponsorship with the Rabbitohs for the Australia Day Challenge on Monday. To find out more about Sydney, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.

South Sydney will be following in the footsteps of a previous team to don the red and green. In 1929, South Sydney became the first Australian Rugby League side to tour overseas winning two of their three tour matches in New Zealand. The Rabbitohs again take the step to look abroad with this match up against Leeds in the US.

Keep an eye on www.souths.com.au for regular updates on the tour. To listen to the game live on Sunday 27 January at 5am Sydney time, visit www.1010XL.com.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Rabbitohs Arrive in Jacksonville

17 Jan 2008

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have touched down in Jacksonville, Florida in preparation for the Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos to be held at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida on Saturday 26 January.
The Rabbitohs' players, coaches and staff landed in Jacksonville shortly after 11pm on Wednesday night (Jacksonville time) after stops in sunny Los Angeles, California and snowy Nashville, Tennessee.
Rabbitohs captain David Kidwell said: "We're all excited to be here in the USA but we understand that this trip is a training camp and game against Leeds so we'll be working hard during our two weeks here."
"I'm glad we're here in Jacksonville and we can begin our preparation for not only the game against Leeds but the 2008 season."
South Sydney's touring party will celebrate the Club's 100th birthday on Thursday at the MaliVai Washington Centre, a centre set up by former professional tennis player MaliVai Washington to assist children in the Jacksonville area.

 

[Baron Vo Mandor]

Is this game going to be televised in Aus?

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

0

London Bridge co-owner Paul Nigara has ordered in a good supply of Australian beer for fans who prefer their own local brews.

Article reprints available.
Find out more.

​

01/18/2008
by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Since Jan. 1, 1946 when the first Gator Bowl game was played, it has been a known fact that people will come to Jacksonville, stay in hotels and patronize restaurants and lounges if there’s a sports event involved.
Sports is big business in this city, and that concept is being taken up a notch this week with the events leading up to the “Australia Day Challenge” rugby match Jan. 26 at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.
Events involving the South Sydney Rabbitohs from Australia and the Leeds Rhinos from England will be held from Downtown to the beaches, and the match is bringing many new visitors that will come to Jacksonville for the first time.
According to Mike Bouda, sports and entertainment coordinator for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, tickets have been sold to rugby fans from 38 states and seven foreign countries.
“There has been a media blitz centered around the match and that it’s in Jacksonville in Australia and in England, so we’re getting worldwide exposure,” he said. “It’s also a way to add another sport to the calendar of events, and it falls right between football and baseball seasons.
“This is the first time we’ve hosted an international rugby match like this and we plan to use it to build on the future.”
Bouda said one of the people who will be in Jacksonville for the match is Richard Lewis, chair of the Rugby League European Federation and deputy chair of the Rugby League International Federation.
“While he’s here, we’ll be talking to him about bringing the biggest rugby game in the world, the equivalent of our Super Bowl, to Jacksonville.”
One of the events leading up to the match will be a dinner and autograph signing session with the Leeds Rhinos tomorrow night at the London Bridge Pub Downtown.
Co-owner Paul Nigara had cases of Barons beer and ale, one of the top brands in Australia, delivered this week in anticipation of crowds of thirsty rugby fans, both foreign and domestic.
“It’s good for Jacksonville to get this kind of international exposure,” he said. “It’s also very good for business.”
For ticket information and a schedule of events, visit www.jaxaxe.com.
Last Updated ( Friday, 18 January 2008 )

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Widders' Thoughts on Jacksonville

19 Jan 2008

Rabbitohs star backrower Dean Widders says the interest in the Rabbitohs in Jacksonville, Florida is quite astounding during the lead up to the Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos at the University of North Florida on 26 January.
Widders, who is writing a blog for the Florida Times-Union newspaper in Jacksonville during the tour, says the team has been concentrating acclimatising and beating jet lag, with the Rabbitohs set to kick off their training camp tomorrow with weights, skill and speed sessions.
"I have to say that I wasn’t sure what to expect coming to Jacksonville, let alone the United States, but it’s been really great so far," Widders said in his blog.
"The flight was pretty tough — it’s a long haul from Sydney, Australia, to the U.S., but now that we’re here, it’s all worth it. The weather patterns were amazing. It was hot in L.A., snowing in Nashville during our stopover and then raining in Jacksonville when we landed.
"Our priority as a team has been to adapt to the new time zone and acclimatise to our new environment. We’ve come from Sydney, which is stinking hot in the middle of summer at the moment and 16 hours ahead, so we’ve really tried to alter our sleeping and eating habits to get ourselves ready for our upcoming training camp and game.
"Jacksonville is such a big city in terms of area. I’m told it’s the biggest city in the U.S. [in terms of area], and the people are so friendly. Everyone seems really interested in why we’re here and what we’re doing, which is great. I think it indicates that a game like Rugby League has a future in this city and this country.
"The best activity we’ve done since arriving is visiting the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation and celebrating our team’s 100th birthday with the kids at the centre. It was very impressive and inspiring to see a guy like Mal that helps kids of the area through his tennis and to open their eyes to different experiences. One thing we all noticed was how confident the kids were, singing and dancing and shooting hoops with us. Australian kids seem to be a lot more shy, but these kids got right into it.
"We’re looking forward to starting training and really getting ready for our game on the 26th of January at Hodges Stadium at UNF. Make sure you get your tickets, and we’ll see you at the game, if not at one of the fan sessions beforehand."
The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation promotes academic achievement and positive life skills in Jacksonville youth through the game of tennis. The Foundation uses tennis to engage kids in active and fun recreation programs. The programs help to foster leadership, sportsmanship, self-esteem, confidence, discipline, accountability and the value of hard work, team work and individual effort. To learn more about the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation visit www.malwashington.com.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs play the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida (UNF). The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G’Day USA calendar.

For more information about G’Day USA visit www.australia-week.com. For information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com. To read the regular blogs from the Rabbitohs players and staff on the Florida Times-Union newspaper website, visit news.jacksonville.com/rugby.

 

[Dave Q]

Widders' Thoughts on Jacksonville

19 Jan 2008

Rabbitohs star backrower Dean Widders says the interest in the Rabbitohs in Jacksonville, Florida is quite astounding during the lead up to the Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos at the University of North Florida on 26 January.
Widders, who is writing a blog for the Florida Times-Union newspaper in Jacksonville during the tour, says the team has been concentrating acclimatising and beating jet lag, with the Rabbitohs set to kick off their training camp tomorrow with weights, skill and speed sessions.
"I have to say that I wasn’t sure what to expect coming to Jacksonville, let alone the United States, but it’s been really great so far," Widders said in his blog.
"The flight was pretty tough — it’s a long haul from Sydney, Australia, to the U.S., but now that we’re here, it’s all worth it. The weather patterns were amazing. It was hot in L.A., snowing in Nashville during our stopover and then raining in Jacksonville when we landed.
"Our priority as a team has been to adapt to the new time zone and acclimatise to our new environment. We’ve come from Sydney, which is stinking hot in the middle of summer at the moment and 16 hours ahead, so we’ve really tried to alter our sleeping and eating habits to get ourselves ready for our upcoming training camp and game.
"Jacksonville is such a big city in terms of area. I’m told it’s the biggest city in the U.S. [in terms of area], and the people are so friendly. Everyone seems really interested in why we’re here and what we’re doing, which is great. I think it indicates that a game like Rugby League has a future in this city and this country.
"The best activity we’ve done since arriving is visiting the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation and celebrating our team’s 100th birthday with the kids at the centre. It was very impressive and inspiring to see a guy like Mal that helps kids of the area through his tennis and to open their eyes to different experiences. One thing we all noticed was how confident the kids were, singing and dancing and shooting hoops with us. Australian kids seem to be a lot more shy, but these kids got right into it.
"We’re looking forward to starting training and really getting ready for our game on the 26th of January at Hodges Stadium at UNF. Make sure you get your tickets, and we’ll see you at the game, if not at one of the fan sessions beforehand."
The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation promotes academic achievement and positive life skills in Jacksonville youth through the game of tennis. The Foundation uses tennis to engage kids in active and fun recreation programs. The programs help to foster leadership, sportsmanship, self-esteem, confidence, discipline, accountability and the value of hard work, team work and individual effort. To learn more about the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation visit www.malwashington.com.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs play the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida (UNF). The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G’Day USA calendar.

For more information about G’Day USA visit www.australia-week.com. For information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com. To read the regular blogs from the Rabbitohs players and staff on the Florida Times-Union newspaper website, visit news.jacksonville.com/rugby.

Nice work Deano.

 

[Dave Q]

Rabbitohs Arrive in Jacksonville

17 Jan 2008

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have touched down in Jacksonville, Florida in preparation for the Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos to be held at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida on Saturday 26 January.
The Rabbitohs' players, coaches and staff landed in Jacksonville shortly after 11pm on Wednesday night (Jacksonville time) after stops in sunny Los Angeles, California and snowy Nashville, Tennessee.
Rabbitohs captain David Kidwell said: "We're all excited to be here in the USA but we understand that this trip is a training camp and game against Leeds so we'll be working hard during our two weeks here."
"I'm glad we're here in Jacksonville and we can begin our preparation for not only the game against Leeds but the 2008 season."
South Sydney's touring party will celebrate the Club's 100th birthday on Thursday at the MaliVai Washington Centre, a centre set up by former professional tennis player MaliVai Washington to assist children in the Jacksonville area.

As for the lads, they seem to be doing us, the code and their countries proud.

 

[rabbs]

That Dave was never in question

 

[STSAE]

As for the lads, they seem to be doing us, the code and their countries proud.

ROFLOL.

You seem to be quite intelligent mate.

Dont tell me you also buy into the propaganda machine thats chucking phones like a phacwitt????:crazy:

:lol: :lol:

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

ROFLOL.

You seem to be quite intelligent mate.

Dont tell me you also buy into the propaganda machine thats chucking phones like a phacwitt????:crazy:

:lol: :lol:

Deva ju Willie Mason:crazy:

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Taylor Pleased with First Full Session

20 Jan 2008

The Rabbitohs had their first training session on the field on which they will be playing the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday January 26, Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida.
South Sydney have finished their strategies designed to overcome jetlag and recovery, and began with two training sessions at UNF today.
Taylor said the effort the team displayed was as professional as the work they have been doing in Sydney in the lead up to the tour.
"Today was our first genuine training session, or practice session as the Jacksonville locals have been calling it," Taylor said in his blog on the Florida Times-Union newspaper website.
"We travelled out to UNF twice today, firstly for a strength session in the morning followed by a skill and speed session in the afternoon. I'm pretty happy with how the team performed, considering we've been concentrating on adapting to the new timezone and recovering from any jetlag for the past few days. The guys really got stuck into the session today and put a lot into it, which usually means they will get a lot out of it too. We trained up to the standard that we're used to training to at home in Sydney which is pleasing from my perspective."
Taylor said the facilities at UNF have the coaching staffs high standards.

"We've made the University of North Florida our home base for this tour and the facilities available to us are great," Taylor said.
"We trained on both the Hodges Stadium field and the adjacent field today, and used the gym facilities, and I'm impressed with both set ups. The gym has everything we need and the quality of the field surface is top notch. We ran the boys hard today so they'll probably be sore tomorrow, but we have another tough session planned for Sunday morning so they'll probably be even more sore Sunday night. In saying that they all seem happy to be back into the tough training and getting themselves ready for next Saturday's game against the team from Leeds."
Taylor said his first visit to Jacksonville has been a wonderful experience for not only but the whole squad.

"I've never been to Jacksonville before," Taylor explained.
"I've been to New York, Las Vegas and a few other centres but not Jacksonville and I'm really impressed with this city. Where we're staying is great. It's right next to the beach, has great facilities and the staff and guests have been very friendly, as has everyone we've met from Jacksonville so far. We drove into the city yesterday and saw the Jaguars' stadium which looked very impressive from the outside so we're really looking forward to the tour we're taking later next week as part of our 'Day in the Life of an NFL Player' tour. The visit we made to the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation was fantastic. The kids were really excited but I think some of our players were more excited to see them and their enthusiasm. MaliVai is doing some great things in the community and he has to be commended for that. Some of the team went along to the Basketball game at UNF against Jacksonville University today and they said the place was buzzing. It's good to see the students and supporters get right behind their team, and hopefully they can all make us their team and become South Sydney Rabbitohs supporters.

"We really hope the people of Jacksonville come out to the game next Saturday and support the event. Tickets are selling pretty fast so anyone interested in coming along and seeing a new and different sport should buy their tickets now to make sure they get into the game. And hopefully the people of Jacksonville can come and visit Sydney and enjoy the Australian way of life, the way our team is really enjoying being here in Jacksonville."
To purchase tickets to the Australia Day Challenge between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida, visit www.australiadaychallenge.com.
The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation promotes academic achievement and positive life skills in Jacksonville youth through the game of tennis. The Foundation uses tennis to engage kids in active and fun recreation programs. The programs help to foster leadership, sportsmanship, self-esteem, confidence, discipline, accountability and the value of hard work, team work and individual effort. To learn more about the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation visit www.malwashington.com.
The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G’Day USA calendar. For more information about G’Day USA visit www.australia-week.com.
For information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.
To read the regular blogs from the Rabbitohs players and staff on the Florida Times-Union newspaper website, visit www.jacksonville.com/sports/rugby.

 

[Qld-Sharkie]

I guess they arent showing this game on fox or 9???

 

[punton]

I guess they arent showing this game on fox or 9???

Negotitations are still taking place but it is seeming unlikely.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Paea Can't Believe He's in the USA
21 Jan 2008

Young Rabbitohs halfback Eddie Paea says the fact that he is about to Rugby League for his junior Club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, in the United States of America still hasn't quite sunk in.

"Well it's still quite surreal that I'm in the USA to play Rugby League," Paea said in his blog on the Florida Times-Union newspaper website.

"I've done a fair bit of travelling with football lately but I didn't think the US would be on the cards. I was lucky enough to travel to New Zealand, England and France with the New Zealand Test squad last year and now the US, it's all good!"

Paea says he could be the reason for the extremely cold and wet weather the team has been enduring in Jacksonville, resulting in a tornado warning for the 'First Coast' area of Florida in which Jacksonville is situated.


"I have to say I think I take the weather with me when I travel for football," Paea said.

"It was cold and wet everywhere I went on the Kiwis tour and it's been that way since we arrived in Jacksonville, but we're all still enjoying the trip. The people are very hospitable and want to talk to us and find out what we're doing here and find out more about Rugby League. I think they like our accents!"

Paea said that the training schedule the Rabbitohs are keeping shows they have not travelled to the US for a holiday.


"Our training has been tough but it's what we need to do to get ready for a big season ahead of us," Paea explained.

"We trained for about five hours today which is a big session but we're getting ready for the game next Saturday and then our first game in March when our season begins."

The Rabbitohs met up with their British counterparts at a dinner held at the Rabbitohs' hotel tonight, with a long-distance skier and polar adventurer Ben Saunders speaking with the players about what can be achieved when you really set your mind, and body, to it.


"Today we had a combined team dinner with the guys from the Leeds Rhinos and we had a talk from Ben Saunders who crossed the North Pole on skis," Paea said.

"It was great to meet some of the Leeds guys. They were all very friendly but it will be different when we play on Saturday I'm sure. I got to meet my opposite number Rob Burrow tonight. He looks small but he is very skilful and one of the best halves in the world so I'm looking forward to getting an opportunity to play against him. He plays for England and I hope to play for New Zealand so hopefully we will play against each other more than this Saturday at UNF. Ben's achievements are amazing, but I think he must be a little crazy."

The young halfback said he is keen to pull the boots on and play in his first game since representing the Junior Kiwis in thir victory over the Juniors Kangaroos last October.


"I'm really looking forward to the game and showing the Americans what Rugby League is all about," Paea said.

"I think they'll like the game and hopefully they will get behind the local team, the Axemen. We've had a few guys from the Axemen training with us and they are giving it everything they've got. It's good that we can help them out and help promote the game and promote Sydney while we're here. Maybe the people coming to the game on Saturday will come and watch us play in Sydney one day? Everyone should get their tickets for the game now because the tickets are selling out so make sure you're there on Saturday."

To purchase tickets to the Australia Day Challenge between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida, visit www.australiadaychallenge.com.

For more information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.

The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G'Day USA calendar. For more information about G'Day USA, visit www.australia-week.com.

To read the regular blogs from the Rabbitohs players and staff on the Florida Times-Union newspaper website, visit www.jacksonville.com/sports/rugby.

To learn more about the Jacksonville Axemen, visit www.jaxaxe.com.

 

[BBKing777]

ROFLOL.

You seem to be quite intelligent mate.

Dont tell me you also buy into the propaganda machine thats chucking phones like a phacwitt????

More intelligent than you it seems.....going for the c**ks is one of the dumbest things anyone could do.
Dont worry you will get plenty of exposure when your mate Willie starts opening his mouth to the media.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Rabbitohs Make New Fans

22 Jan 2008

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have made some new fans after attending a special fan night at local Jacksonville establishment, Fionn MacCools, tonight.
Both the Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos attended the fan meet-and-greet night on Monday night in Jacksonville at which over 100 fans came along to find out more about the game of Rugby League and to wish both teams luck in Saturday's Australia Day Challenge.
The current and former crop of Kiwi players from both sides also caught up for a chat before Saturday's hostilities, with some New Zealand Rugby League fans making their way to the fan night.
"It was good to see some of the Kiwi boys from Leeds but they're on the other side on Saturday," Rabbitohs captain David Kidwell said.
"It's good to see this sort of support for the game as well. There's quite a few fans here tonight all wanting to know more about Rugby League.
"All of the guys are looking forward to playing on Saturday and representing Sydney in the process."
To purchase tickets to the Australia Day Challenge between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida at 1pm (Jacksonville time), visit www.australiadaychallenge.com.
For more information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.
The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G'Day USA calendar. For more information about G'Day USA, visit www.australia-week.com.
To listen to the Australia Day Challenge game call live on Sunday 27 January at 5am (Sydney time), visit www.1010XL.com.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Jax Deaf Kids Become Rabbitohs Fans

23 Jan 2008

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have an army of new fans with ten school children from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind joining the South Sydney faithful today.
Armed with Rabbitohs supporter banners made in their classroom, the ten boys from the third grade class at the school based in St Augustine, south of Jacksonville, made the trip to Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida to watch the Rabbitohs train in preparation for the Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos this Saturday at 1pm (5am Sunday Sydney time).
Teachers Kristy Murdoch and Bethany Peacock accompanied the children to the training session, saying the kids enjoyed the experience thoroughly.
"We're learning about Australia in geography, and force in motion in science so when we had the opportunity to come and visit the practice session it made sense for us to take up this fantastic opportunity," Ms Murdoch said.
"We have 560 kids at the school, which is a boarding school, but four of these guys are local to Jacksonville.
"The team and coaches were so accommodating of the kids. They did some passing drills, showing them how to pass it sideways instead of forwards, and then did some kicking drills too. They really included them in everything, even to the point of making them do five push ups if they made a mistake with the ball!
"They even answered a heap of questions from the boys and I can tell you they all loved it. We want to thank South Sydney for their hospitality today. It was fantastic for us to all be here."
Rabbitohs player Ben Rogers said the kids did really well during their interaction with the team.
"They picked up the basic concepts of Rugby League really well which was good fun," Rogers said.
"They kicked the ball really well actually and it seemed to put a smile on their faces which is what it's all about. It was good to see them here."
To purchase tickets to the Australia Day Challenge between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida at 1pm (Jacksonville time), visit www.australiadaychallenge.com.
For more information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.
The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G'Day USA calendar. For more information about G'Day USA, visit www.australia-week.com.
To listen to the Australia Day Challenge game call live on Sunday 27 January at 5am (Sydney time), visit www.1010XL.com.

 

[Dave Q]

ROFLOL.

You seem to be quite intelligent mate.

Dont tell me you also buy into the propaganda machine thats chucking phones like a phacwitt????:crazy:

:lol: :lol:

Thank you for the complement.

But this is not "propaganda" its the real thing.

If they impress the yanks then the yanks are more likely to think highly of us.

Even you sorry lot over at Bondi!

Wheres the furthest the roosters going this month? Drummoyne?!

 

[Dave Q]

Jax Deaf Kids Become Rabbitohs Fans

23 Jan 2008

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have an army of new fans with ten school children from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind joining the South Sydney faithful today.
Armed with Rabbitohs supporter banners made in their classroom, the ten boys from the third grade class at the school based in St Augustine, south of Jacksonville, made the trip to Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida to watch the Rabbitohs train in preparation for the Australia Day Challenge against the Leeds Rhinos this Saturday at 1pm (5am Sunday Sydney time).
Teachers Kristy Murdoch and Bethany Peacock accompanied the children to the training session, saying the kids enjoyed the experience thoroughly.
"We're learning about Australia in geography, and force in motion in science so when we had the opportunity to come and visit the practice session it made sense for us to take up this fantastic opportunity," Ms Murdoch said.
"We have 560 kids at the school, which is a boarding school, but four of these guys are local to Jacksonville.
"The team and coaches were so accommodating of the kids. They did some passing drills, showing them how to pass it sideways instead of forwards, and then did some kicking drills too. They really included them in everything, even to the point of making them do five push ups if they made a mistake with the ball!
"They even answered a heap of questions from the boys and I can tell you they all loved it. We want to thank South Sydney for their hospitality today. It was fantastic for us to all be here."
Rabbitohs player Ben Rogers said the kids did really well during their interaction with the team.
"They picked up the basic concepts of Rugby League really well which was good fun," Rogers said.
"They kicked the ball really well actually and it seemed to put a smile on their faces which is what it's all about. It was good to see them here."
To purchase tickets to the Australia Day Challenge between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida at 1pm (Jacksonville time), visit www.australiadaychallenge.com.
For more information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.
The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G'Day USA calendar. For more information about G'Day USA, visit www.australia-week.com.
To listen to the Australia Day Challenge game call live on Sunday 27 January at 5am (Sydney time), visit [URL="http://www.1010XL.com."]www.1010XL.com.[/URL]

Ben took a big bold step when he left the then succesful Panthers to join a struggling Souths outfit.

Have a look at him now!

Dreams come true at South Sydney.

Knowing that the boys are helping deaf and blind kids instills great pride in me.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]LISTEN TO THE RABBITOHS v LEEDS MATCH LIVE

[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To listen to the Australia Day Challenge game call live on Sunday 27 January at 5am (Sydney time) visit www.1010XL.com.[/FONT]