Trent Robinson Takes Aim at Souths as Momentum Grows for Move Away from ‘Punishing’ Accor Stadium Home Ground

South Sydney’s quest to depart Accor Stadium and reclaim their heritage at Moore Park is gaining momentum, with rugby league icon Andrew Johns lending his support to the initiative.

In recent years, club officials have been engaged in discussions with the government regarding potential upgrades to the Homebush venue.

Ahead of the round five showdown between the Rabbitohs and Roosters, reports emerged indicating that an announcement regarding the stadium’s future could be imminent. If the red and green side transitions to a new home, it would see both teams vying for supremacy at Allianz Stadium.

When asked about the ongoing stadium dilemma during this week’s instalment of Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, Johns firmly stated that Souths must relocate.

“Absolutely – it’s South Sydney, it’s right there,” he remarked.

“Navigating to Accor, particularly on a Friday night, can be quite challenging.

“Accor should primarily host semi-finals or crucial match-ups like Roosters versus Souths, as it often appears on television with empty seats, which presents a poor image.”

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Since moving away from Moore Park in the early 2000s, the calls for the Rabbitohs to return have intensified, especially after the construction of the new stadium.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson addressed the media ahead of the fixture on Friday night, acknowledging that the decision lies beyond his control, but he reaffirmed that it is their home and that Souths returning wouldn’t alter that fact.

“That’s just business – I get that,” he added.

“They opted to move from their area, and our loyalty to the region has benefited us immensely. Stadiums function differently and it’s a business, hence this will be part of the conversation.

“People rent this venue regularly, but it will never truly be their home. I don’t anticipate it being demolished; it’s our home, and we’ve been here since 1908 without leaving.

“True loyalty is demonstrated through actions, and our history in rugby league showcases that. Various teams will play here, but this remains our home.”

Johns further argued there is a need and desire for a smaller venue in the region where Souths and other Sydney-based teams could compete.

“I would love to see a boutique stadium constructed in the southern region of Sydney,” he expressed.

“Perhaps in the La Perouse or Botany vicinity. If Souths move to Allianz, along with the Roosters, Waratahs, and Sydney FC, there’ll be significant congestion on that ground.

“If a 20,000-seat stadium could be erected near the airport, it would certainly alleviate some of that pressure.”