The South Sydney Rabbitohs are set to delight their fans with a thrilling announcement: the club is returning to both Mudgee’s Glen Willow Stadium and Perth’s Optus Stadium for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This much-anticipated news marks the continuation of two iconic events – the Charity Shield against the St George Illawarra Dragons in Mudgee and a premiership home game in Perth – both set to draw massive crowds and strengthen the Rabbitohs’ bond with regional and interstate supporters.
In February 2025, the annual Charity Shield will be contested once again at Glen Willow Stadium, with South Sydney aiming to maintain their dominant record in Mudgee, having won five of their previous six matches at the venue. This pre-season clash against the Dragons is one of rugby league’s most celebrated traditions, and the Mid-Western Regional Council has partnered with both clubs to secure the event for another two years. With the Charity Shield heading into its 42nd year, the atmosphere in Mudgee is expected to be electric as fans flock to witness the action.
In addition to their Mudgee appearance, the Rabbitohs will also make a triumphant return to Optus Stadium in Perth for a premiership home game during the 2025 NRL season. This visit will mark the club’s 12th match in Perth since 2009 and their third at the state-of-the-art Optus Stadium. The two-year agreement with the Western Australian Government will give Rabbitohs fans in the west the opportunity to cheer on their team as they play in one of the country’s premier sporting venues.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly is confident that these events will be huge draws for the club’s passionate supporter base. “We’re very excited to return to both Mudgee and Perth in 2025,” said Solly. “Our members always travel in big numbers to these matches, and the support we receive from both regions is incredible. We couldn’t wait to get back to Mudgee after missing out last year due to the Las Vegas opener, and Perth has always felt like a home away from home for us.”
Fans planning to attend either event are encouraged to secure their 2025 memberships early, with members receiving first access to tickets for both the Charity Shield and the Perth home game. “It’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss out,” Solly added.
With the full NRL schedule set to be released later this year, Rabbitohs supporters can expect more details on match dates and ticketing. Meanwhile, Souths Cares will be heading back to Mudgee and Perth, bringing their life-changing programs to regional kids across New South Wales and Western Australia.
This return to Mudgee and Perth promises to be a spectacular chapter in the Rabbitohs’ 2025 season, both on and off the field.
