South Sydney legend John Sutton calls time on brilliant career

The word “loyalty” was used 16 times at Redfern oval on Wednesday. That was how South Sydney paid tribute to John Sutton on the day he announced his retirement.

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Elena Sutton gave her little boy John his first South Sydney jersey as a four-year old.

“He didn’t have any other option but to play for Souths,’’ Sutton’s mother Elena said.

“I would prefer he retired all together, or play park footy in the lower grades, than play with any other club. Us Suttons, we bleed red and green.’’

Loyal from the beginning. Loyal through the misery. Loyal through the triumph. Loyal until the end.

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Sutton has seen some changes at South Sydney. Photo: Kym Smith

Sutton could’ve held his press conference on Wednesday to announce that and after 16 seasons, 2019 would be his last in the NRL, just about anywhere.

He could’ve called a press gallery to meet him on the sand at his beloved home break of Maroubra.

The most-capped first grade player in South Sydney’s history, could’ve told the media to gather at Redfern Oval, the Bunnies spiritual home where 15,000 ecstatic fans waited for their captain to appear with the premiership trophy on an unforgettable Monday in October, 2014.

But with the Rabbitohs history coursing through his veins, Sutton used the same 111-year-old building where the South Sydney football club was formed in 1908, to call time on his career.

Sitting inside the Redfern Town Hall in front of wife Stacey, father John senior and mum Elena, Sutton began: “It’s no surprise, but at the end of the year, I’m retiring.

“I’m happy with my decision to finish up the year. Growing up in the area, playing in the juniors, it’s (club) just in me.

“I never wanted to let my parents down and I truly do love this club.

“I never through the I’d play 100 games, 200 games, so to play 300 games for the club that I love, is just amazing. I’m truly blessed.’’

That premiership will never be forgotten. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Filling the hall, at the back and along the walls, were the entire Souths coaching and playing staff including stars Damien Cook, Sam Burgess, Dane Gagai, Alex Johnston and even Greg Inglis.

They heard the word “loyalty” used six times in the space of 15 minutes by Rabbitohs general manager Shane Richardson, chairman Nick Pappas and head coach Wayne Bennett, who each paid tribute to Sutton’s career.

“John Sutton is quite simply a legend of this club,’’ Richardson said.

“He’s played more games for Souths tan anyone else, more first grade games than anyone else, been our player of the year on three occasions, captained us to our last premiership and become a leader of young men.

Wayne Bennett couldn’t speak highly enough of Sutton. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“He’s had a lot of options to lave this club, but he chose not too and that’s a tribute to John and also to his family.

“I know that his mother would’ve beat him over the head with an umbrella if he’d moved clubs.

“But you can’t underestimate the loyalty of John and this club and what it meant to him.’’

Sutton made his debut for the club in 2004, when the Rabbitohs were the whipping boys of the league.

He conceded there were days that he was just happy to be running around in the famous jersey and playing first grade was enough.

There were other days, his career was headed for the scrapheap.

The club will have farewelled two legends in one season. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Which is why, Sutton’s pride in having played 329-first grade games currently, was so clear.

He’s told the story many times before of how without his mother dragging him out of bed, or a pub, his stunning career would never have been.

And more recently, it’s been wife Stacey and kids Pippi and Ace, that have doused the rogue within.

“Never,’’ Elena replied after being asked if she thought her son would achieve 16 seasons of NRL.

“When he was in the beginning and he was 19, I thought he wouldn’t even reach 100 games.

“The times were different, the culture wasn’t good and he was young and loved to go out and drink.

“But he’s matured into this beautiful boy. Having the kids and Stacey as his partner is very good and our family is very close.’’

Sutton said he simply couldn’t endure a 17th pre-season — which Bennett quipped he was lucky to survive this year — which is why his playing days are now numbered.

Sutton will forever be the captain to have taken the Rabbitohs to their 21st premiership.

He admitted winning a 22nd in 2019, “was the goal.”

But even if Sutton and Bennett fall short of the prize, Richardson said a new chapter in the history of the club will be devoted to the Kengsington United Junior.

“Today is a signature story for the club,’’ Richardson said.

“John’s story allows us to look at the future and the Cameron Murray’s, Campbell Graham’s, Alex Johnston’s and Adam Douhei’s and every other player in this room and say, you can stay at this club for your whole career.

“You don’t have to go anywhere if you don’t want too.’’