Fck i hate that bell too. Didn't we buy that shit and donate it to them too.
This is an old article, written in 1999. There are probably plenty of newer fans that don't know any of this. It briefly covers Souths getting the punt from the comp and the bell sold at one of Souths auctions during a fundraiser. The same bell that was used at the very first game in 1908. It...
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This is an old article, written in 1999. There are probably plenty of newer fans that don't know any of this. It briefly covers Souths getting the punt from the comp and the bell sold at one of Souths auctions during a fundraiser. The same bell that was used at the very first game in 1908. It also
speaks highly of the Bulldogs and other clubs who helped us when we needed it. So did other individuals from other clubs and leaders from society and sport in general, including Fatty, a Manly Director at the time. Anyway, some people might find it interesting.
Crowe Pays $42,000 For Bell And Then Gives It Back
By Brad Walter
Sydney
Nov 20, 1999
Renowned Australian actor and ardent South Sydney supporter
Russell Crowe tonight paid $42,000 for the original time keeper's bell used in the very first game of rugby league played in Australia - and then handed it back to its owner.
The bell, used in the 1908 clash between Souths and Eastern Suburbs at Birchgrove Oval, was donated by fanatical Rabbitohs supporter Albert Clift and bought by Crowe at a fund raising dinner for the Rabbitohs' fight for reinstatement into next season's National Rugby League competition.
But after writing his cheque for $42,000, Crowe returned the bell to its original owner Clift, who at 97 years of age is older than the code itself.
Crowe then announced the bell would only be used again to start the Rabbitohs' next first grade match if the team is reinstated in the NRL.
"It will never be rung again unless Souths are in the competition," Crowe said.
Souths' battle to survive will resume on Monday in both the Federal Parliament and Federal Court, where the Rabbitohs are seeking an injunction against the NRL.
A motion from federal member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, to be put to parliament was foreshadowed at tonight's Save Our Souths dinner which was attended by 1,750 people - the biggest function ever catered for at the Sydney Convention Centre's Banquet Hall.
Among those who showed their support for the Rabbitohs were Canterbury, whose directors bought a VIP table to the tune of $5,000 and were narrowly outbid by Crowe for the timekeeper's bell used by Son Fry in South's 15-12 win over Easts.
The Roosters, now known as Sydney, also had a table as did the SCG Trust, Wests Leagues Club and Save the Bears group, still fighting for North Sydney to stand alone.
Ironically, one of the directors of the new Northern Eagles outfit formed from Norths' merger with Manly, Paul Vautin, sent a message from England expressing his support for South's campaign to play in the 2000 competition.
"I think it's an outrage if Souths aren't in the competition," Vautin said.
"I really believe they have got to be there. South Sydney epitomises what Rugby League is all about. They are the greatest club we will ever see."
Other celebrities at the dinner, which raised more than $600,000, included television and radio celebrities Ray Martin, Andrew Denton, Alan Jones, Mickey Robbins and the Sandman, Archbishop of Canberra Geoffrey Mayne,
former Newcastle captain Paul Harragon, who flew from Perth to be at the dinner, and dozens of former league greats.
Martin's 1989 silver logie award, the last year Souths won the (minor) premiership, was auctioned for $6,000, an oil painting titled Souths Legends sold for $16,000 while a pair of Kostya Tszyu's gloves and Muhammad Ali's autographed shorts went for $6,000.
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The bell gets rung on Sunday! Somewhere.