Byrne signs with Souths

The Allight South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce the signing of current St George Illawarra Dragon Dean Byrne to a two year contract with the club.

Byrne, 21, a Chipping Norton junior and former Bulldogs Jersey Flegg premiership winning skipper, is a highly regarded prospect equally adept at playing halfback or five eighth.

South Sydney head coach Paul Langmack believes Byrne will be a big hit for the Rabbitohs in National Rugby League season 2004 and beyond.

“I think Dean Byrne is a top quality prospect that will add a new dimension to the South Sydney Rabbitohs,” he said.

“He's a great talent that has an excellent kicking and organisational game - he kicks goals as well - which he showcased when the Dragons defeated us in round 11 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Dean, by all accounts, is also not afraid to put in the hard work on the training track and drive himself to be a better player - we need that kind of commitment to become a better performing club.

“There were a lot of other NRL clubs interested in signing Dean to a contract, I'm extremely happy that he'll wear Souths red and green next season,” Langmack concluded.

Byrne said on signing his deal that the lure of joining the NRL's greatest club and being part of Souths turnaround helped him in making his decision.

“I'm very proud to be joining South Sydney - the club that has one more premierships than any other,” he said.

“I have a lot of faith in the coaching of Paul Langmack. I want to be a big part of the change of culture at the Rabbitohs and the club's push up the NRL ladder.

“This move is great for my career, and I will benefit greatly from playing beside guys like Bryan Fletcher and Owen Craigie, who have achieved a lot of success in rugby league.

“I'm very excited to be becoming a Rabbitoh in 2004,” Byrne concluded.