The South Sydney Rabbitohs have officially announced a new agreement with Venues NSW, enabling a phased return to Allianz Stadium.
The club, which historically enjoyed playing at Moore Park, transitioned to Homebush in the mid-2000s in pursuit of a more lucrative deal.
However, the Maroubra-based team has faced setbacks regarding renovations at the Olympic Park venue, which is being converted into a rectangular field, and has sought alternatives with the recent reopening of the Sydney Football Stadium, recognized as one of the top rectangular venues nationwide.
Amid ongoing discussions between the Rabbitohs, Venues NSW, and the Sydney Roosters, who prefer to maintain exclusivity at the venue, the club has revealed that it will host five home games annually at the stadium starting in 2028.
This season, with fixtures already announced, the Rabbitohs are set to play two home games at the Football Stadium, seven at Accor Stadium, and three in alternate locations.
Next year, the numbers will shift to seven at the Football Stadium, four at Accor, and one likely in a remote location such as the Central Coast.
Beginning in 2028, the Rabbitohs plan to bring all home games back to the Sydney area, allocating seven games to Olympic Park and five to Moore Park over the subsequent three seasons, while also scheduling at least one away match-probably against the Roosters in the city, and the Bulldogs at Homebush.
It's anticipated that, barring significant renovations, the Rabbitohs will advocate for a complete relocation away from Homebush post-2030.
"This is a landmark moment for the club. This new deal ensures more matches at the spiritual home at Allianz Stadium while retaining the historical connection to Accor Stadium, where we have seen so much success," stated Rabbitohs chairman Nicholas Pappas AM.