NRL club South Sydney Rabbitohs have opened an investigation into a bizarre incident involving the club’s mascot ‘Reggie the Rabbit’ over the weekend. Souths took on Cronulla Sharks at Shark Park on Saturday with Wayne Bennett’s side being beaten 27-12 on the day.
However, much of the fallout from the game has centred around the Bunnies’ mascot following an incident at the ground. The mascot has been accused of pushing a nine-year-old child in the face.
Video footage has emerged online of the moment, with the mascot seen approaching the Cronulla fan. What follows is unclear but both clubs and the NRL have acknowledged that they are looking into the incident.
“We are investigating what happened and will have no further comment to make until our investigation is complete,” the Rabbitohs said in a statement, as per Wide World of Sports.
“We have reached out to the boy’s mother to let her know we will be investigating the incident.”
Charlie Gallico is the man who wears the mascot costume and he spoke to Network 10 Australia to explain his side of the story.
“I apologise if I did something wrong but I don’t think I did,” Gallico told the broadcasters. “I was coming off the field, he called me over and I went over like I normally do to make the kids happy and he grabbed me. That’s it.”
Reggie the Rabbit has come out with his version of events to @danielsutton10 today after video went viral yesterday of an alleged shove to a 9 year old spectator. pic.twitter.com/5HSmWwRDdx
— The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) March 24, 2025
To make the matter even more bizarre, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is a life member of the Rabbitohs, has spoken out about the mascot.
“I know Charlie well. He’s the South Sydney mascot. Dresses up in that very hot suit of Reggie the Rabbit every week. He’s 81 years old. He’s a very small man,” Albanese said, per news.com.
“He certainly wouldn’t have hurt anyone by intention. The young boy was obviously shocked by this insert. My heart goes out to him as well.
“And the good news is that Charlie, this wonderful, that elderly, gentle guy, will meet this young boy and his mum tomorrow to in order to apologize.
“And I just hope that they have a hug and that the young boy grows up a loving rugby league as much as Charlie does.”
Gallico has worked as NRL mascot Reggie the Rabbit since 2002.
