The Cronulla Sharks stamped their dominance over the South Sydney Rabbitohs with a decisive 27-12 victory at Sharks Stadium on March 22, 2025. The match not only showcased the Sharks' impressive performance, highlighted by players like Will Kennedy and Ronaldo Mulitalo, but it also unfolded amid a troubling incident involving a young fan and the Rabbitohs' mascot, Reggie Rabbit.
As the match progressed, it became clear that the Sharks had control. Just past the half-hour mark, a remarkable play put the Sharks ahead 20-0. Will Kennedy, in collaboration with Ronaldo Mulitalo and Kayal Iro, executed a length-of-the-field try that left the Rabbitohs scrambling to respond. By the 31st minute, the scoreboard reflected the Sharks' prowess with the score at Sharks 20, Rabbitohs 0.
However, the game's excitement was overshadowed by an unfortunate event involving nine-year-old Benji, a local footy fan and supporter of the Sharks. Following the match, Benji and his friends were eagerly waiting to high-five Reggie Rabbit, the mascot representing the Rabbitohs. Instead of a friendly gesture, Reggie pushed Benji away, causing the young boy to stumble back.
Caroline Agius, Benji's mother, recounted the episode, stating, "From what my son Benji has told me, he was with his mates lining up there and they could see Reggie Rabbit coming up... Benji popped his hand out... but was pushed away instead." Agius noted that after the incident, a security guard approached her son and reprimanded him for getting too close.
A shocked and confused Benji was left questioning his actions, prompting Agius to express her concern. "He was in shock more so and felt like he’d done something wrong, but I just explained to him that he’d done nothing wrong," she elaborated. Following the unsettling incident, Agius decided to contact the police and the NRL for support. "I’ve taken him to the police station this afternoon, and they’ve told me they can’t do anything. They don’t see it as an assault," she said.
The incident drew immediate attention, with Agius reaching out on social media to share her experience. She published a post on the “Everything Sutherland Shire” Facebook group, calling for help while also providing a video of the encounter, which has since been removed by the group's administrator.
In response to the situation, the South Sydney Rabbitohs released a statement confirming that they are aware of the incident and are currently investigating it. "We have been made aware of this incident this afternoon. We are investigating what happened here and will have no further comment to make until our investigation is complete," a spokesperson for the Rabbitohs reported. The club later followed up by contacting Agius to confirm their commitment to addressing the matter.
Reflecting on her history with the club, Agius mentioned her background as a lifelong Souths enthusiast. “I grew up a South Sydney fan, and my father coached Souths Premier League for most of my late childhood... It’s a bit of a shock to see that this is how young fans are treated,” she remarked, illustrating her dismay at the handling of the situation.
Benji has been immersed in rugby league culture, playing for the Cronulla Caringbah Sharks club and frequently attending games with his family. Agius added, “Football is important to us, and especially him. He plays football every weekend for a club; he’s been playing for five years himself.” Sports play a vital role in their lives, meaning this event has taken on additional importance.
As the Sharks celebrated their victory on the field, the broader implications of this incident raise questions about mascots' engagements with young fans at family-friendly events. The supporters expect a culture of respect and kindness, especially towards children who look up to players and mascots as figures of joy in sports.
In light of these events, the Sharks' success on the field will resonate with fans, but the necessity for responsible actions off the field remains paramount. Ensuring that boundaries between entertainment and respectful interactions are clearly defined will be critical for maintaining the spirit of local sporting culture.
As the investigation continues, both the community and the Rabbitohs will likely reflect on how such incidents can shape the experiences of young fans and the overall image of rugby league as a family-friendly sport.
