Bunnies fans hop to it as heroes confront Titans
WHEN South Sydney talk about the fanatical supporters who have stood by the club in bad times as well as good, they’re referring to the likes of Les and Heather McLaren.
The Kewarra beach couple are unabashed Rabbitohs tragics and will be in the stands for Sunday’s NRL clash against the Gold Coast Titans at Barlow Park.
For Heather, the Rabbitohs are a life-long passion.
The 67-year-old grew up in t h e Sydney suburb o f Malabar, which is firmly in the Rabbitohs’ catchment area.
‘‘In those days where you were born was the rugby league team you followed,’’ Heather said.
‘‘You actually knew all the players. I worked at the hospital with some of them, went to school with some of them. They were our garbos, our carpenters – everyone was a local.’’
Heather, who is the Marlin Coast netball president, spent many weekends at the SCG watching the Rabbitohs and their roster of legends including Clive Churchill, Ron Coote and John Sattler.
‘‘I used to be a member of South Sydney Juniors and I did a lot of work with their netball,’’ she said.
‘‘We used to play at Moore Park, which is right next to the SCG.
‘‘I’d play netball on Saturday and then whip straight over to the cricket ground to watch my beloved red and green.’’
In comparison to his wife, Les is a relatively new recruit to the Rabbitohs cause.
The 66-year-old was a Brisbane Broncos fan before he switched allegiance.
That was after the Rabbitohs were re-admitted to the NRL in 2002 after being excluded three years earlier.
‘‘ I knew Heather was a staunch member, and if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve been following them ever since.’’
Heather said she and Les couldn’t wait for kick-off on Sunday.
‘‘I think it’s fantastic. You watch them on the television and now you get the chance to see them in person,’’ she said.