Rabbitohs re-sign Ben Ross for 2011 and 2012
[source: www.rabbitohs.com.au] on Tuesday 5 Oct 2010 15:21
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have re-signed Ben Ross for the 2011 and 2012 seasons today, marking a remarkable comeback for the former Queensland State of Origin representative.
Ross, 30, was regarded as one of the best prop-forwards in the NRL before seriously injuring his neck at the start of the 2009 season, having represented Queensland six times, having won an NRL premiership with the Panthers in 2003, and having played over 100 NRL games over eight seasons to date.
Ross will return to the field of play in the 2011 Return to Redfern match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newtown Jets on Saturday 5 February 2011, marking a remarkable return to the field after two years on the sidelines.
"Ben is effectively a new recruit for the Club in season 2011 and we're looking forward to seeing him return to his damaging best over the next two years," Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.
"He brings great experience to our pack, a winning attitude, and his journey to return to playing after such a bad injury and long rehabilitation period is inspiring. I'm sure our Ticketed Members will turn out in force to support Ben and the Rabbitohs in his first game back at RTR2011."
Ross is thrilled about returning to the field of play next year.
"I'm very excited about playing again and to be able to return with South Sydney is an honour in itself," Ross said.
"It's been a long two years to get back into a position to play again, and I'm very grateful to the South Sydney Club to, firstly, help me get back on the field and, secondly, show faith in me to sign a two year deal.
"I'll be doing everything in my power to repay the Club and its Members over the next two seasons."
Biography:
Name: Ben Ross
DOB: 23 May 1980
POB: Chinchilla, QLD
Position: Front row
Height: 191cm
Weight: 110kg
NRL Games: 108 for Dragons 2002, Panthers 2003-05, Sharks 2006-09
NRL Points: 24 (six tries)
Rep Honours: Six State of Origin matches for Queensland 2004-05; Prime Minister's XIII 2005
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have one of the richest histories in Rugby League. Established in 1908, the South Sydney Club has won 20 first grade premierships and provided 62 internationals for the Australian side, and have famously worn their cardinal red and myrtle green colours since inception. The rebirth of the Rabbitohs began on 7 June, 2006 through a new partnership between Russell Crowe, Peter Holmes a Court and the then 8000 Members of the Club. The Rabbitohs made the semi-finals for the first time in 18 years in 2007, and have strengthened their Ticketed Membership to over 11,000 with over 18,000 Total Members in 2010.
