Fans are loving the Rabbitohs' retro John Sattler tribute jersey, it's a thing of beauty

The South Sydney Rabbitohs paid tribute to John Sattler in the most fitting way possible over the weekend.

Not only did the fans stop and applaud during the 13th minute of the game in a nod to his iconic shirt number, but the team also went above and beyond.

During their clash against the Manly Sea Eagles, the Bunnies were seen donning a retro jersey in homage of Sattler – and it's a thing of sheer beauty.

Supplied/NRL

During the build-up to the weekend's action, club legend Sattler sadly died at 80 years of age.

And to pay their respects to him, the club had the players wear an old school jersey against the Sea Eagles.

Featuring a big white collar to accompany the red and shite stripes, it was almost an exact replica of the strip Sattler wore during the 1970 Grand Final.

On top of that, the jersey also included the famous ‘torn rabbit’ logo, which Sattler wore proudly across his chest during that historic Grand Final 53 years ago – yes, the one where he played almost the entire match with a shattered jaw.

Supplied/NRL

Supplied/NRL

When fans saw Souths skipper Cameron Murray lead the team out onto the field against Manly wearing the tribute kit, they wasted no time in taking to social media to have their say.

One person tweeted: "Rabbitohs jersey is a beauty."

While another said: "Loving these South Sydney Rabbitohs throwback jerseys."

As a third added: "That Rabbitohs jersey is sexy man."

And a fourth chimed in: "What a beautiful tribute to John Sattler. Love the design of the jerseys tonight go the Rabbitohs."

Supplied/NRL

Before the game, head coach Jason Demetriou spoke of Sattler's importance to the Bunnies.

“We talk about opportunities to represent the jersey and this weekend is an opportunity for us to represent someone who means so much to so many people at our club,” Demetriou said.

“Satts has been down at training many times over the years, and to pre-season launches and big events.

“His contribution on the field is well known, but off the field it is just as big and I think that is what the players resonate with.

“We listened to a talk he did a few years ago in which he spoke about his team-mates and about how much they meant to him and how they are great mates now.

“That probably represents what John was like. He was a bloke who just loved his team-mates and loved being out on the field with them so hopefully we can replicate that on Saturday night.”

Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry