Rabbitohs Win Allianz Stadium Battle: More Home Games Confirmed for 2026+
South Sydney Rabbitohs will increase their presence at Allianz Stadium from 2026, securing a deal with the New South Wales Government and Venues NSW to play more home games at the iconic Moore Park venue. Even as continuing to host seven matches annually at Accor Stadium through 2030, the Rabbitohs will gradually increase their Allianz Stadium schedule from two games in 2026 to four in 2027, and ultimately five per year thereafter, according to a statement released Tuesday evening.
The additional Allianz Stadium games will be drawn from those previously played “outside the Venues NSW network,” the club confirmed. NSW Premier Chris Minns hailed the agreement as a positive outcome for both the state and Rabbitohs supporters. “This is a great outcome for NSW and Rabbitohs fans – more Rabbitohs matches at their two spiritual homes, Accor where they broke their grand final drought in 2014, and Allianz at Moore Park, where the club established itself as the Pride of the League,” Minns said.
Key matches, including the traditional Good Friday clash against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, will remain at Accor Stadium. Rabbitohs Chairman Nick Pappas described the deal as a “landmark moment” for the club, emphasizing the importance of both venues to the team’s history, and future. “This new deal ensures more matches at our spiritual home at Allianz Stadium while retaining our historical connection to Accor Stadium, where we have seen so much success,” Pappas stated. “Both venues are an important part of our club’s history and future, and this new deal is a win for our members and fans who will get to see more home matches in Sydney.”
The agreement concludes a long-standing campaign by the Rabbitohs to play more games closer to their traditional supporter base. The club’s return to Allianz Stadium comes as the venue continues to re-establish itself as a premier sporting and entertainment destination following its recent redevelopment.
In other NRL news, Manly Sea Eagles prop Taniela Paseka has credited NBA superstar Kevin Durant with providing inspiration during his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Paseka, who suffered the injury in round three of the 2025 season, is averaging 123 metres per game in the current season and is drawing parallels to Durant’s successful return from a similar injury in 2019. Paseka stated he studied Durant’s recovery process on YouTube, focusing on how the basketball star regained his explosiveness.
Meanwhile, Penrith Panthers back-rower Luke Garner has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, keeping him at the foot of the mountains until at least the end of 2028. Panthers GM of Football Shane Elford praised Garner’s professionalism and versatility, while CEO Matt Cameron highlighted his commitment to the club and the community.