The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the contract extensions of halfback Dean Hawkins and second rower Michael Chee Kam for a further season until the end of 2024 today.
Hawkins, 24, has played six NRL matches, all for the Rabbitohs, since making his first grade debut against the Broncos in round five, 2021.
Hawkins, Rabbitohs first grade player number 1168, is a South Sydney junior from the Matraville Tigers who led the Rabbitohs NSW Cup team to the 2023 Premiership as captain, the Club's first second grade premiership in 40 years. Hawkins won the NSWRL's NSW Cup Player of the Year award in 2023 and will lead the side into the NRL State Championship match against the Brisbane Tigers on NRL Grand Final day this Sunday.
Chee Kam, 31, has played 116 NRL matches, of which 22 games have been for the Rabbitohs, since making his first grade debut for the Sea Eagles against the Cowboys in round 26, 2014.
Chee Kam, Rabbitohs first grade player number 1176, has also played three Test matches for Samoa in 2018 and 2019, as well as having represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2010.
Hawkins is very happy to be extending his time with the Rabbitohs.
"It's really good to get another 12 months here at South Sydney. I'm a Souths Junior so my heart always wanted to stay here," Hawkins said.
"I'm grateful to be able to stay at Souths and my goal is to help the team out where I can, play some more first grade and also lead the NSW Cup team out again this weekend and get the job done as we play for another trophy."
Chee Kam is excited about extending his tenure with South Sydney.
"I'm really grateful to 'JD' (Jason Demetriou), 'Ello' (Mark Ellison) and everyone at the Rabbitohs for the faith they have in me," Chee Kam said.
"It feels like I’ve been here for a long time but it's only been two years. It really feels like home. There are good people everywhere at the Club throughout the footy staff, the admin staff and Souths Cares.
"I want to play more footy for the Members and I know that next year will be a great year for us. We'll use this year as motivation and I know we're heading in the right direction.
"I can't express how grateful I am to be part of this Club and I can't wait to start back at training and get ready for next year."
Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, says both Hawkins and Chee Kam provide competition for spots in the Club’s top 17.
"It's great to sign professionals like Dean and Michael for another season," Mr Ellison said.
"Dean is a quality halfback that has shown his leadership skills this season by leading the NSW Cup team to the Premiership, as well as proving he can do the job in first grade when required.
"He is a South Sydney man through-and-through and we're delighted to see him extend his time with us for another season today.
"Michael is a quality back rower and we’re very happy to have him here at the Club for another 12 months.
"He is a reliable player in both attack and defence and has proven himself to be an NRL player over a long career so far. He has fit in wonderfully at our Club over the past two years and we're pleased to have him commit to our Club for another season today."
