The South Sydney Rabbitohs are in mourning following the loss of a courageous young supporter, Hayden Alexander, who passed away at his home in Maroubra on Friday, March 15th.
Hayden battled Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
Despite facing significant challenges, Hayden demonstrated the fighting spirit emblematic of the South Sydney ethos throughout his life. Despite doctors’ predictions that his life expectancy would not extend past his teenage years, Hayden defied the odds and passed away last week at the age of 25. He had formed a deep bond with the players and staff at the Rabbitohs over the course of several years.
At the age of 16, Hayden regularly attended training sessions at Redfern Oval to show his support for the players, who reciprocated by offering their support to him. He became a familiar face among the training crew, so much so that former Rabbitohs strength and conditioning coach, Sean Edwards, honored Hayden’s unwavering dedication by presenting him with his 2014 premiership ring.
Hayden continued to demonstrate his allegiance to the team by attending training sessions and home games in his wheelchair, which became more convenient for him when the team relocated to the USANA Rabbitohs Centre in Maroubra.
His infectious smile brought joy to the players he befriended over the years, including Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess, and Blake Taaffe.
The Rabbitohs will feel the absence of Hayden’s presence at training and his unwavering support for the club and the team.
On behalf of the entire Rabbitohs community, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hayden Alexander.