The South Sydney Rabbitohs will celebrate Indigenous culture during their upcoming Indigenous Round match against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium. The event, known as the Gadhu Gathering, brings together four Sydney-based National Rugby League (NRL) clubs in partnership with Venues NSW, set on the lands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal peoples of the Dharawal nation.

In a significant moment before kick-off, Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman will ring the club’s Legacy Bell, becoming the first person to do so twice. Freeman, who won gold at the Sydney 2000 Games, described the occasion as a special honour that connects deeply with South Sydney’s history.

Halftime entertainment will feature ARIA Award-winning Indigenous artist Budjerah alongside hip-hop artist Kobie Dee. Budjerah, a Coodjinburra man from the Bundjalung nation whose debut album *Gentleman* recently peaked at No. 2 on the ARIA Australian Album chart, has amassed over 60 million streams online. He will perform with Dee, a Gomeroi man from Maroubra, delivering a rendition of Mary J. Blige’s hit "Family Affair" on Bidjigal land.

The collaboration aims to highlight the intersection of sport and music as a platform to honour and showcase Indigenous culture. Budjerah expressed hope that the event encourages greater recognition and appreciation of diversity, stating that despite differences, everyone shares a common journey and that kindness and celebration of uniqueness are essential.

The Indigenous Round initiative continues to serve as a significant moment in the NRL calendar, reinforcing cultural respect and visibility for Indigenous communities within Australian sport.