Sport Confidential: Rabbitohs boss Nick Pappas’ gesture brings Nick Politis to tears

The hatred between the Rabbitohs and Roosters runs deep, but it doesn't extend all the way to the top, with a gesture from Souths chair Nick Pappas bringing Nick Politis to tears. See the full SPORT CONFIDENTIAL.

The hatred between bitter rivals South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters doesn’t extend all the way to the top of the respective organisations.

Sport Confidential can reveal the Rabbitohs chair Nick Pappas and his Roosters counterpart Nick Politis share immense respect and admiration for each other despite the enmity between their clubs.

So much so that Pappas, as president of the The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia, organised a dinner a fortnight or so ago to honour Politis for his contribution to the Greek community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the 600 guests who attended the dinner while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis prerecorded a speech which was played on the night.

An emotional Politis fought back tears as he was honoured for his generosity and deep connection with Greece at the gala dinner, held at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.

Nick Politis was moved to tears at Gala dinner for the Hellenic Initiative Australia held in his honour last week. Picture: Neos Kosmos

FRESH BATTLE ERUPTS IN SYDNEY STADIUM WARS

Sydney’s stadium wars have erupted again on the eve of Friday night’s blockbuster between bitter rivals South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters.

While Accor Stadium may be the home to the match on Friday night, it is a move away from the Sydney Olympic Park venue by South Sydney which has caused the NRL’s greatest rivals to clash again.

Sport Confidential understands that the Roosters are ready to push back against any plans for the Rabbitohs to ditch Accor Stadium and move to Allianz Stadium – the venue where the Roosters have made their own since it reopened in 2022.

It's a funny game, by Boo Bailey.

Souths have a deal in place to play at Accor Stadium until 2030 but Rabbitohs powerbrokers Nick Pappas and Blake Solly met NSW premier Chris Minns on Wednesday afternoon as they push to return to Allianz Stadium as early as next year.

Solly let fly at any plans to derail their proposed move.

“We think our proposal to the government is fair and reasonable and hopefully delivers value to the state of NSW and the billion dollars of taxpayer money invested into Allianz Stadium,” Solly said. “We also think it’s a good result for the NRL – Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo have always been keen for more games to be played at “size appropriate stadiums” and they support a move to Allianz. The broadcasters do too.”

The Roosters and Rabbitohs have ramped up their battle over Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters are believed to be privately opposed to the move, adding another layer of drama to Friday night’s game between the bitter rivals at Sydney Olympic Park.

“I’m not sure why another club would be raising such an objection or take this aggressive approach to it,” Solly said. “They don’t own the stadium – the people of NSW own it. They should decide who plays in it, not another tenant.

“We are also concerned that the Roosters seem to know the details of our agreement with Venues NSW.”

South Sydney claim their long-term lease at Accor Stadium was based on commitments from previous governments to redevelop the stadium. As it stands there are no plans to spend any money on the venue.

The Bulldogs are also looking at their long-term options if the venue is not upgraded.

MAY EYEING OFF ORIGIN GLORY

Wests Tigers prop Terrell May keeps an eye on his Brisbane counterpart Payne Haas and concedes he has been the best front tower in the game for the last couple of years. There is, however, a limit to how far his admiration goes.

“The only person I admire is God bro,” May said.

“I am not going to admire another player. I do watch him play here and there. Obviously he’s been the best prop since he came in for a couple of years.

“So I’d be lying if I said I didn’t look into his game. But yeah, he’s a very good player and I feel like he will probably go down as one of the best front rowers.”

Wests Tigers' Terrell May’s clash with Payne Haas shapes as a seminal moment in his quest to play for NSW. Picture: NRL Imagery

May’s clash with Haas this weekend at Suncorp Stadium is set to be one of the most eye-catching tussles of the weekend.

For May, it shapes as a seminal moment in his quest to play State of Origin football. Win the battle with Haas and he will give Blues coach Laurie Daley plenty to think about.

“If I don’t get chosen, if I do get chosen, that’s the week I’m going to let it all sink in,” May said.

“I don’t know when Origin is to be honest but there’s a fair few weeks from that. To be honest, I’m focused here. I just want to win more games here.”

He does, however, crave an Origin debut.

“Yeah, that’s the only footy I watched to be honest,” May said.

“I loved the Origin arena. I’ve just heard so many stories about the level of Origin. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to play that, cause that’s probably one of my biggest goals and dreams to put on a Blues jersey.

“And my dad said if I ever did, he would cry for the first time in front of me. So yeah, it would be good to see that.”

CHEIKA TAKES CONTROL OF CEDARS

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is set to step up his involvement with the Lebanese Rugby League Federation after reaching a strategic agreement that will see him take charge of the Cedars for the 2026 World Cup.

Cheika will also be charged with forming a six-person board which will include a representative of the LRLF. The new board will be tasked with growing the men’s and women’s rugby league in Lebanon and Australia.

Lebanon coach Michael Cheika is set to step up his involvement with the Cedars. Picture: Getty Images

KNIGHTS FACE FIGHT TO KEEP KAI

Newcastle are locked in a fight to keep Kai Pearce-Paul amid interest from at least two rivals in the English back rower.

Sport Confidential understands that the Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers are both keeping an eye on Pearce-Paul as he comes off contract at the end of the year.

Newcastle haven’t given up hope of keeping the rangy English back rower, but they may have to act fast as the Raiders and Tigers circle the 24-year-old.

Pearce-Paul moved to the NRL at the start of last season with fellow Englishman Will Pryce, who recently returned to Super League.

It is understood Pearce-Paul has no plans to follow suit amid interest from rival clubs. The Raiders, in particular, already have English teammates Morgan Smithies and Matty Nicholson on their books.

The Newcastle Knights are locked in a fight to retain Kai Pearce-Paul. Picture: NRL Photos

BRONCOS UNSUNG HERO UP FOR GRABS

Brisbane back rower Jack Gosiewski has been one of the season’s bargain performers and the Broncos are playing a dangerous game with his future as he remains off contract.

The 30-year-old has started all four games in the second row for the Broncos, keeping young star Brendan Piakura out of the side.

So good is his form, Sport Confidential understands that he has attracted interest from the English Super League.

Gosiewski’s preference is to stay in the NRL with the Broncos.

Broncos forward Jack Gosiewski has impressed so far in 2025, but remains off-contract. Picture: NRL Photos

DRAGONS HALF MAKING AN IMPRESSION

St George Illawarra half Jonah Glover has been making a big impression with his performances for the Dragons’ high-flying NSW Cup side.

Glover has been stuck behind Lachlan Ilias but rival clubs have had their interest piqued after Glover helped himself to four try assists in his three games for the club.

The Dragons have won two of his three games in the No.7 jersey.

Jonah Glover has impressed in the Dragon’s NSW Cup side. Picture: NRL Imagery

FLASHBACK

The mayhem of the Good Friday clash between Canterbury and South Sydney made headlines on this day 10 years ago. South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds was left with a serious knee injury which coach Michael Maguire said would keep him sidelined between “three to five months” following a charge down gone wrong by James Graham. South Sydney won 18-17 following a penalty goal in the dying moments.

Flashback to a chaotic Good Friday clash between the Rabbitohs on Bulldogs in 2015.

STUART ESCAPES SANCTION

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has escaped sanction for his post-game comments after the NRL examined what he said following the Raiders’ recent loss to Manly. The NRL have already warned coaches against making any post-game comments towards the officials. Stuart was not punished after saying; “I’m not allowed to talk about the ref but I hope Andrew Abdo has an answer for us all.” He also indicated he had “wasted two days” after being part of a rules committee in the off-season.

Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart has escaped sanctions following his post-game comments after the Raiders’ recent loss to Manly. Picture: Getty Images

KAI MAKES INSPIRATIONAL RETURN

Kai Sakakibara is back on the bike. Sakakibara, whose sister Saya won gold in Paris, was lucky to survive a tragic accident five years ago on the BMX track at Bathurst that left him with a brain injury.

At the time, he was an Australian representative on track to compete at the Olympics. In one devastating moment, his life took a tragic turn.

Sakakibara returned to the velodrome two years after his accident but turned his back on the sport amid fears he could hit his head again.

He took up rowing but the bike was always calling and last week Sakakibara made an emotional return at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane as he marked his comeback with victory in the C1 category at the paracycling event at the 2025 AusCycling Track Nationals.

“It felt truly amazing because I never thought I would ever be able to do something like this again,” Sakakibara wrote on social media.

“The support and cheers I received at the National Championship while I raced truly meant the world to me.

“It feels like I’m on a new path and I’m looking forward to whatever is coming next. One step at a time, one moment at a time. LET’S GO!”

LANE MAKES A STAND FOR PLAYERS

Parramatta back-rower Shaun Lane has joined the RLPA board. Lane was been appointed at AGM this week.

“I am very proud and honoured to be elected as a Director on the RLPA Board,” Lane said. “The RLPA has relentlessly taken on the hard stuff to get the best outcomes for players, and for me to play an even greater role in doing that is a rewarding moment for me.

“The collective strength of players is what makes the RLPA so strong, and I am excited to start working with all the directors to harness that strength to achieve the RLPA’s mission and strategic objectives.”

NRLW star Hannah Southwell was also re-elected.

Parramatta Eels forward Shaun Lane has joined the RLPA board. Picture: Jonathan Ng

WAYDE LAUNCHES LEGAL ACTION

Former Holman Barnes Group board member Rick Wayde’s legal action against the club will commence in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday. The matter is listed for a directions hearing with Wayde contesting his dismissal from the board. He and fellow barred member Tony Andreacchio had a first up win last week after he successfully sought an injunction to scrap a planned election to decide their replacements.

Originally published as Sport Confidential: Rabbitohs boss Nick Pappas’ gesture brings Nick Politis to tears