Australia’s South Sydney Rabbitohs extend partnership to develop elite rugby league talent

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have extended their partnership with Keebra Park State High School in south-east Queensland for another two years, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing young rugby league talent and creating pathways to professional competition.

The renewed agreement, which runs from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028, builds on a three-year collaboration between the club and the school, aimed at identifying, developing and supporting talented players aspiring to reach the National Rugby League (NRL). Under the partnership, Keebra Park students will gain access to the Rabbitohs' Elite Pathways and Player Development (EPPD) programme, giving aspiring players greater exposure to professional coaching, development resources and the club's established talent pathway.

The Rabbitohs will also provide regular support through visits by their pathways staff, access to specialist player-development resources and professional development opportunities for the school's Academy coaches and staff. The club's logo will feature on Academy apparel, further strengthening the association between the two organisations.

Keebra Park State High School has established a strong reputation across academic, sporting, cultural and creative disciplines, with its rugby league programme recognised for producing talented young players. Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said the school had a proud rugby league tradition and a proven record of developing both quality players and individuals.

"The first three years of the partnership have been a tremendous success, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow the strength of the relationship with Keebra Park and opening pathways for talented players to achieve their dreams of reaching the NRL," Solly said. He pointed to the club's existing connection with Keebra Park graduates, several of whom have gone on to become part of its squad. Payne Haas, David Fifita and Jai Arrow are among the players who studied at the school, demonstrating the role its development programme has played in preparing young athletes for elite-level rugby league.

"Hopefully they will be joined by more players from Keebra Park State High School in future years," Solly added. Keebra Park Rugby League Academy Head of Department Peter Norman welcomed the extension, saying the partnership reflected the shared history, ambitions and values of both organisations.

"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for another two years," Norman said. He also praised the club's continued support for former Keebra Park student and Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow, who is battling motor neurone disease (MND), describing it as an example of the organisation's commitment to its people beyond the rugby league field.

Norman said the relationship had grown stronger over the first three years and expressed confidence that the renewed agreement would create further opportunities for young players. The extension underscores the growing importance of school-club partnerships in developing sporting talent, providing aspiring athletes with access to professional expertise, structured training and a clearer route from school-level competition to the elite game.