26 April 2023
The South Sydney Rabbitohs celebrated Navy submariners in an Anzac Round NRL match by wearing a submarine-themed jersey and hosting a substantial Navy contingent.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Hammond, who led the contingent, said it was a privilege to have a high-performance team acknowledge the men and women who serve in submarines.
“Russell Crowe designed the jersey and he specifically wanted to shine a light on the silent service this year,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.
“A lot of what our Submarine Force does happens over the horizon and it is not in our nature to blow our own trumpet, so to speak. It is called the silent service for a very good reason.”
The jersey’s black stripes represented the colour of a submarine hull and the black t-shirts submariners wear under their uniforms, while the grey stripes demonstrate the effect on light underwater.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Chief Executive Officer Blake Solly said the club was proud of the continuing partnership with Navy.
“Thank you for the commitments and the sacrifices you make,” Mr Solly said.
A promotional video screened before the kick off showed a match ball “passed” around the nation between Rabbitohs players and members of Australian Clearance Diving Team 1, HMA Ships Adelaide and Hobart, Submarine Force and the Fleet Air Arm.
The match ball was then delivered in person by Vice Admiral Hammond and Able Seaman Lynton Robbins.
The Rabbitohs invited several hundred Navy members and their families and friends to the match at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Seaman Boatswains Mate Jasmine Kaczmarek enjoyed the experience.
“It is always good to get out in public and be proud of the uniform we wear,” Seaman Kaczmarek said.
The Rabbitohs scored twice in the final minutes to defeat the Penrith Panthers 20-18.
