The Rabbitohs have reportedly escalated their long-running rivalry with the Roosters by formally requesting the New South Wales Rugby League to prevent their rivals from training at Matraville Sports High School.
For nearly 15 years, the Roosters have used the high school as the training facility for their junior representative teams.
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According to The Sydney Morning Herald, powerbrokers in Redfern argue this presence unfairly attracts local juniors to the tri-colours, pulling talent away from Souths junior program.
Rabbitohs' CEO Blake Solly emphasised the financial and emotional investment the club makes in grassroots rugby league, pointing to an annual commitment exceeding $2 million.
"This investment should be recognised, rewarded and protected," said Solly.
The NSWRL's Community Rugby League policies stipulate that clubs must train and play within their designated district boundaries unless granted approval by the relevant boards.
South Sydney contends that the Roosters' training at Matraville breaches this rule and that junior representative teams fall under the same jurisdiction.
This conflict follows a recent bid by South Sydney to move their home games from Accor Stadium to Allianz Stadium.
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly, who serves on the NSWRL board, has reportedly been excluded from meetings related to the issue to avoid conflicts of interest.
The Roosters are said to have contributed around $200,000 to improve the sporting facilities at the school.
The NSWRL board is currently reviewing South Sydney's application and is expected to announce a decision in due course.