What’s the Buzz: South Sydney Rabbitohs re-sign Cameron Murray on monster deal
South Sydney has emerged from one of the most tumultuous weeks in the club’s history with their inspirational captain agreeing to a monster extension. Details of the deal.
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The South Sydney Rabbitohs have emerged from one of the most tumultuous weeks in the club’s history with news that their champion skipper, Cameron Murray, has extended his contract until the end of 2028.
The Rabbitohs fast-tracked Murray’s $4.6 million extension to ward off approaches from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan.
Murray, 25, was under contract until the end of 2025 but the deal has been extended for another three years, as revealed by this masthead over the weekend.
It is an uplifting development for the Rabbitohs, as they prepare for Friday night’s knockout battle with arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters, with a spot in the NRL finals on the line.
“I’m excited about the next five years but, as always, my focus and that of the team is on our next assignment at Accor Stadium on Friday night,” the lock-forward said in a statement on Monday.
“This club has always been home to me and I never saw myself playing anywhere else.
“It was a no-brainer for me to extend my contract here.
“The club has always looked after me and I feel like I’ve always done my best to put the club’s best interests at the forefront of anything I do.”
Souths head of football, Mark Ellison, said extending Murray’s deal was a priority for the club.
“Cameron is one of the elite footballers in our competition, he is our on-field leader, he is everything that a South Sydney man should be,” Ellison said.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching Cameron develop not only as a player, but as a person, since he was four years old. He comes from a strong family, he’s born and bred in South Sydney, and he has become the man that every one of his teammates wants to play with. His father Corey played for the Rabbitohs, his sister Bryanna also played for the club, and he is red and green to the core.
“He gives everything he has every time he plays for this club, his state and his country.
“We could not be prouder of Cameron and everything he has achieved to date, knowing that he has so much more that he wants to accomplish at this club over the next five-and-a-half seasons. We are over the moon to know he sees his long-term future in rugby league with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.”
Wallaby coach Eddie Jones had made no secret of his desire to try to pinch the former schoolboy rugby champion for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
He said earlier this year: “He’d be a fantastic 12 in rugby. You think about what Sonny Bill Williams did when he came from league to union.
“I know Cameron Murray is a different sort of player, but he’d have that effect on players.”
Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan confirmed Murray was a target.
“We make no apologies for showing an interest in Cam Murray. He grew up playing rugby union – and it’s a free market.”
Murray has played 146 games for Souths since debuting in 2017.
NRL ON LINE FOR NINE
A poor financial result for Channel 9 could have an effect on the NRL’s long term TV rights.
The network’s profit slumped 38 per cent to $194m for the financial year. Nine is already spending $325m on the next three Olympic Games – plus production costs.
It is also shelling out $450m for the Australian Open tennis broadcast rights and $30 million a year for rugby union.
We mentioned recently how rival Channel 7 was preparing to pinch State of Origin rights from Nine with a $150m offer.
Given last week’s financial results, Nine might not be in a position to outbid its commercial rivals in two years when negotiations begin for a new NRL broadcast deal.
IT’S SHOWTIME FOR TIM
Tim Tszyu’s reputation has grown to such an extent that he’s been signed up by US cable TV giant Showtime to cover the fight of the year.
Tszyu will be part of Showtime’s commentary panel in Las Vegas for the super fight between Canelo Álvarez and Jermell Charlo next month.
He will be working alongside award-winning sportscasters, including the likes of Mauro Ranallo, Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and former welterweight champion Shawn Porter.
Tszyu – the WBO interim light-middleweight champion – left for America on Friday for a training camp before his next fight against American Brian Mendoza in a world title blockbuster on October 15 in Australia at a venue yet to be determined.
I’VE BREEN BUSY
Neil Breen is back in Sydney after his Brisbane radio stint on 4BC and was spotted having lunch with 2GB Radio managing director Tom Malone on Thursday at Chin Chin in Surry Hills.
We’re tipping he’ll be working for 2GB over the summer months while the regular hosts are on their annual leave.
In the meantime, Breeny has picked up two TV gigs: he’s working for Sky News — filling in for Sharri Markson on Thursday nights; and he’s appearing alongside Ray Thomas on Sky Racing’s News Central on Wednesday nights.
MEDIA BUZZ
GERARD MIDDLETON, 40
Big Sports Breakfast,
Sky Sports Radio
First Job?
Glassy/bartender at Mingara on the Central Coast. I got my first media role in London with a sports betting and racing newspaper called The Sportsman. I was selling ads and writing stories as a journalist.
Sporting Heroes?
The coach called me “Siro” in Under 8s so naturally Paul Sironen, but I also loved Andrew Ettingshausen. Was a big fan of Craig McDermott and Mark Waugh as well.
What league team do you follow?
The poor old North Sydney Bears. What can I say, it’s been tough. I so hope we’re somehow part of the expansion plans. Wouldn’t it be great at North Sydney Oval one day for another NRL game?
What sports did you play?
Always cricket in summer, basketball, junior rugby league in Canowindra and Orange, then rugby at high school and at the Easts rugby club in Sydney. I was a backrower and No.8.
How do you spend a day off?
Love a round of golf – although I’m a hacker without a handicap. And I love a Saturday afternoon punt and a beer with mates at the Bellevue in Paddo.
Career highlights?
Travelling around New Zealand covering the 2011 Rugby World Cup would have to be up there, but sitting next to two Australian sporting greats Loz and Clarkey on the BSB has been an enormous privilege.
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Originally published as What’s the Buzz: South Sydney Rabbitohs re-sign Cameron Murray on monster deal
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