Rabbitohs Stars Tackle Alcohol-Fuelled Violence

South Sydney Rabbitohs players are sending a powerful message to supporters and fans about the dangers of alcohol abuse through a new video which is being screened at Rabbitohs’ home games.

The video features club co-captain Roy Asotasi, along with Michael Crocker, Nathan Merritt and Dylan Farrell, and is a joint project by the Rabbitohs and the Last Drinks coalition.

In the video the players talk about the importance of looking after each other, and of intervening when their mates are getting drunk or into trouble.

Of course, everyone likes to go out and enjoy themselves, but when alcohol is involved there is always the risk that things can get out of hand very quickly.

Unfortunately, many young people don’t fully appreciate the risks of excessive alcohol consumption until it’s too late.

That’s why it is so important to spread the message about looking after your friends, and knowing when to call ‘last drinks’. And that’s what the Mates’ Pledge video is all about.

The really striking thing about the video is that the message is coming from the heart, and from a group of people that young men (in particular) respect and relate to.

The players understand the dangers of alcohol abuse from their own experiences, and from the experiences of their friends and family. And they understand the importance of looking after your mates – on and off the field.

It’s great to see the South Sydney Rabbitohs getting on board with the Last Drinks campaign.

South Sydney has shown itself to be a club with a strong sense of community, and to be a club that’s unafraid of tackling tough issues.

If this initiative prevents just one fight, one brawl, or one assault, then it will have made a useful contribution to the community.”

You can see the video on the Last Drinks web site or by getting along to a Rabbitohs match at ANZ Stadium.

Scott Weber, Dr Michael Gliksman, Bree Graham, Dylan Farrell, Steve Pollard and Roy Asotasi at the launch of the video