Rabbitohs record-setter Alex Johnston has been awarded the first Jason Clark award in 2023 for exemplifying what it means to be a South Sydney Rabbitoh in the eyes of his teammates.
This award is the team's cultural award which is judged by the players on a weekly basis, based on a person’s dedication to the team environment, Club-first attitude, and engagement with stakeholders and community outside of the training and playing setting. This can also include football and non-football personal milestones, efforts to improve and better themselves as players and as people, as well as truly selfless acts on the field of play.
Players would nominate teammates each week for their efforts both on and off the field, with votes tallied at the end of the season.
Johnston won the award for his roles on and off the field whilst living the team values. Outside of the climbing the all-time try scoring ladder each time he steps on the field in the red and green jersey, he often shows the team-first attitude with many efforts that only his teammates and coaches will see. He is a regular contributor to the community including Indigenous-based community visits and this year he traveled to Papua New Guinea to inspire the youth in a country that idolizes its Rugby League footballers. He also released a children's book called A Footy Tail, his first children's story book with a view to releasing more into the future. Alex also played a key role in the Club's Emerging Leaders group in 2023, helping establish the Club's next Strategic Plan and developing the Club's values of Brave, Unbreakable and Belonging.
The award is named after former Rabbitohs player Jason Clark, a man after whom the current playing squad thought this new award should be named due his commitment to the team and Club, on and off the field, throughout this career. Clark has now re-joined the Club in the wellbeing team having retured from professional Rugby League earlier this year after winning a premiership in the Elite One French Rugby League competition with Limoux.
Johnston was presented with his award by Jason Clark himself and teammate Damien Cook at tonight’s Red and Green Ball.
Congratulations to Alex Johnston on claiming the inaugural Jason Clark award in 2023.
Jason Clark award winners:
2023 Alex Johnston
