Lovett 'a role model and a true champion'

The Rabbitohs' Ben Lovett has been honoured with the Clubperson of the Year and the Souths Cares award after a season where he's turned his focus to community. The Parkes junior and Souths forward won the Bob McCarthy Clubperson of the Year award for season 2024, being recognised for his contributions to the team and the Club, both on and off the field. Whilst playing in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final in September 2023, Ben sustained a significant knee injury. The club honoured his positive outlook, through a long and ongoing rehabilitation process at the Red and Green Ball on Friday night. Faced with a career-threatening injury, Ben’s response to adversity has been beyond impressive, the club's award citation says. Ben has never lost sight of his role within the team and has remained an exceptional teammate, providing support and encouragement, even when he couldn’t contribute on the field. His perseverance, positive attitude, and selfless dedication to others have truly set him apart. Ben has faced adversity with courage and turned challenges into opportunities for growth. His community work, combined with his commitment to rehabilitation, highlights a player who is not only driven to succeed but also dedicated to making a meaningful difference off the field. Ben has taken the time to immerse himself in community work, engaging in charitable and school programs and supporting initiatives beyond his player responsibilities. Ben has also spoken, and continues to speak, candidly in public about mental health and how specific events have impacted him. Through his mentoring and advocacy for junior participation in Rugby League, Ben has made a lasting impact on the next generation of players. His ability to inspire, connect, and uplift those around him has earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans. Those who have benefited from his involvement speaks volumes about the kind of person Ben is—a leader, a role model, and a true champion in every sense. The award was presented by Rabbitohs legend Bob McCarthy himself. The Souths Cares award recognises the Most Outstanding Contributions to the Community for 2024. Ben has used his time away from playing rugby league to immerse himself in community programs and promote junior participation in the sport. Ben has supported many community initiatives this year including assisting Souths Cares’ Regional Tour to the NSW North Coast, supporting Souths Cares Junior League Clinics, co-facilitating the NRL’s Road to Regions Initiative with NRL game development staff, travelling to Papua New Guinea to facilitate workshops with Alex Johnston and Sean Keppie, visiting schools and delivering Rugby League clinics to promote the game. In addition to his club commitments, Ben supports a wide range of community and educational initiatives. He serves as an Ambassador and Mentor for Goal College, participated in a regional trip to Brewarrina to support marginalised youth, and runs his own football clinics while promoting junior league participation across regional NSW. Ben was also the Rabbitohs nominee for the NRL Ken Stephen Medal, nominated for going above and beyond in his involvement in charity work, youth development and community support.