NRL fans have been left puzzled after the South Sydney Rabbitohs abandoned its traditional cardinal and myrtle jerseys for a bizarre strip for this year’s Anzac Round match against the Melbourne Storm.

The Bunnies are an iconic foundation club in the NRL that is immediately recognisable because of the traditional red and green stripes that appear on most of their jerseys.

Most, but not all.

South Sydney has unveiled its Anzac Round strip for the 2024 season and fans are less than impressed with the colour palette and design, which is entirely blue/purple and white, with no hint of the team’s famous cardinal red and myrtle green.

South Sydney Rabbitohs players Shaquai Mitchell (left) and new recruit Jack Wighton model the 2024 Anzac Round jerseys to be worn by the Bunnies

South Sydney Rabbitohs players Shaquai Mitchell (left) and new recruit Jack Wighton model the 2024 Anzac Round jerseys to be worn by the Bunnies

The jersey design has been inspired by the Royal Australia Navy, with the club making the announcement onboard America's USS Canberra ship while they're in California

The jersey design has been inspired by the Royal Australia Navy, with the club making the announcement onboard America’s USS Canberra ship while they’re in California

The colour choice was made after the Rabbitohs forged a partnership with the Royal Australian Navy for this year’s Anzac Round. 

‘Rabbitohs are thrilled to reveal the 2024 ANZAC Round jersey whilst aboard the USS Canberra, during our visit to the USA. We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, signified by this special jersey inspired by their Ceremonial Uniform.’ the club posted. 

‘Congrats on your support of the Australian Navy,’ one fan replied.

‘Congrats to all concerned. The club deserves to be commended for its genuine collaboration with and ongoing support of the RAN,’ another posted.

Making the design choice even more curious is the fact the Bunnies will play Melbourne in their Anzac fixture.

The jersey is very similar to the Storm’s away strip, while fans also think it looks better suited to two other NRL clubs as well. 

‘Why they wearing a Melbourne Storm away kit?’ one fan asked.

‘Legit thought this was the @nthqldcowboys. I respect the sentiment but there’s not even a lick of your colours here,’ another posted.

‘It looks like the Bulldogs. Shouldn’t it have some red and green somewhere?’ asked another.

Some fans were simply scathing of the design that is about as grand a departure from the humble red and green stripes as you can get. 

‘You should be booted out of the comp, again. This is so bad,’ an irate fan fumed. 

‘What is the point of having club colours, especially such iconic ones as the Rabbitohs’ cardinal and myrtle, if you’re not even going to use them at all on your own uniform, themed or not?’ another questioned.

‘I’m in the wrong industry, should be an NRL jersey designer, couldn’t possibly go any worse than these clowns,’ raged another.

The Rabbitohs will be playing the Melbourne Storm in Anzac Round with the Melbourne club also boasting a very similar looking strip

The Rabbitohs will be playing the Melbourne Storm in Anzac Round with the Melbourne club also boasting a very similar looking strip 

South Sydney Rabbitohs fans were less than impressed with the departure from the traditional cardinal and myrtle stripes

South Sydney Rabbitohs fans were less than impressed with the departure from the traditional cardinal and myrtle stripes

While the Royal Australian Navy is firmly part of Australia's armed forces, fans were quick to poke fun at the Rabbitohs for aligning with the RAN for Anzac Round

While the Royal Australian Navy is firmly part of Australia’s armed forces, fans were quick to poke fun at the Rabbitohs for aligning with the RAN for Anzac Round

The Rabbitohs, who stumbled in the lead-up to last season’s finals after a strong start, have made key additions to their roster ahead of their season opener against Manly in Las Vegas.

Jack Wighton, formerly with the Raiders, and Sean Keppie from the Sea Eagles are significant signings. 

Wighton, friends with star fullback Latrell Mitchell, may form a potent combination for the team. Despite losing some players, the squad looks stronger and more balanced.

Injuries have impacted the team’s key backs, with Campbell Graham and Tyrone Munro sidelined. 

The Rabbitohs' classic cardinal red and myrtle green colours (pictured) are nowhere to be seen on the new strip

The Rabbitohs’ classic cardinal red and myrtle green colours (pictured) are nowhere to be seen on the new strip  

Jacob Gagai and Taane Milne are expected to fill in for them. While missing the first two games due to suspension, Wighton is anticipated to make a strong impact afterward. Tallis Duncan, named after the legendary Gordy, is set to contribute to the pack.

Although the team faced challenges last season, coach Jason Demetriou’s expertise and strong leadership are expected to bring the Rabbitohs back to form in the upcoming season in Vegas. 

After a rare absence from the finals in 2023, the Rabbitohs are poised to make a comeback in 2024.

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Post source: Daily mail

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