National Rugby League side South Sydney intends to turn soil in the new year on the $20M ($17M) development it believes will make it a "powerhouse for generations," regardless of whether it can "secure state and federal government backing," according to Chris Barrett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Rabbitohs' vision to relocate its training, administration and community facilities to a new purpose-built headquarters at Maroubra's Heffron Park "has appeared to be dependent on Macquarie Street and Canberra tipping in" the remaining A$10M needed to fund construction costs. The club remains "hopeful of government backing." It plans "to begin work in the new year at Heffron Park even if the politicians have not signed off on grants by then." Souths CEO Shane Richardson said, "It's my No.1 goal, on top of winning the premiership, to get Heffron built for the future of South Sydney. That's the future of the club. We'd still have Redfern, but that's the dream. That's the legacy I want to leave. I want us to win a premiership and I want that built." The Rabbitohs would lease the 5000-square meter facility from Randwick council, which will contribute A$3M to the project, along with A$3M from Souths "and a similar amount from the NRL" (SMH, 9/30).
