Senior Souths Indigenous players have got behind the latest addition to the NRL's Indigenous Round - a three-day "festival" of football with the inaugural Gadhu Gathering.
Allianz Stadium is set to host back-to-back-to-back men's games across the weekend in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, with NRLW and local competition also included on the line-up.
The Bunnies, alongside arch rivals Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers co-announced the Gadhu Gathering on Monday.
"Three day festival at Allianz is unreal…it's a special round I always look forward to playing in and hopefully we can get the two points against Parra this year," Souths half Cody Walker said.
La Perouse-based culture, language and research organisation Gujaga Foundation were involved by the clubs and Venues NSW in the event's development, with art and symbolism included.
'Gadhu' refers to a body of water in Dharawal language.
The Roosters host the Bulldogs on Friday before the Rabbitohs and Eels on the Saturday, and a Tigers double-header - facing Manly in a men's game and an NRLW fixture with the Dragons on the Sunday.
Local sides Redfern All Blacks and La Perouse United will also feature during the weekend.
"It's a great round to represent our team, our family, all the kids in the community (and) hopefully give some little kids some dreams to chase and (to) represent our culture," Bunnies centre Jack Wighton said on Monday.
"It's all about representing, spreading good messages, doing your family proud. I've got four kids of my own so anything I can do within culture or for them to follow suit and look up to, it makes me very proud as a man," Wighton added, saying Indigenous Round has grown "bigger and better" since its introduction.
Walker said the annual league-wide celebration of Indigenous culture has helped himself grow as a leader, and "being proud of myself, who I am and where I come from, but also using my platform or my voice to really talk about some serious issues in Aboriginal communities across Australia".
"I find it's my responsibility as a leader in this game to continue to do that," he said.
Souths, Roosters and Wests chief executives Blake Solly, Joe Kelly and Shane Richardson each welcomes their clubs' involvement in the Gadhu Gathering as a cultural celebration piece.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said: "To have six Sydney-based NRL clubs uniquely come together to create a three-day event that showcases the incredible talent and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is wonderful leadership".
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper added: "This will be a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and rugby league not seen before".
NRL Indigenous Round is set for rounds 23 and 24 and rounds six and seven of the men's and women's competitions respectively.
Gadhu Gathering takes place on the second weekend.
