Bulldogs and Rabbitohs to play for the Mortimer-McCarthy Cup

In support of the Family of League Foundation (formerly the Men of League), the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs will play for the Mortimer-McCarthy Cup this Saturday evening.

The 'Mortimer-McCarthy Cup' was first introduced in conjunction with the Family of League Foundation for Round 18 last year, played for on July 17.

The two clubs collaborated with the Foundation to launch the Cup in acknowledgement of the significant contributions that Souths great Bob McCarthy and Canterbury legends Steve, Chris and Peter Mortimer have made to their clubs, to rugby league and to the Family of League.

Both sides ran out last year with members of the McCarthy and Mortimer families on either side, with the Cup between them and are expected to do so again this weekend. The special Cup engraved with the names of those who have inspired many generations of players and fans alike.

Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warbuton has welcomed the return of the Cup and says the Bulldogs can draw inspiration from the legacy of the families:

"It is an honour to recognise both families and what they have contributed to our game," he said.

“Our Club is forever indebted to the services of the Mortimer family and the Mortimer-McCarthy Cup is a fitting tribute to the Mortimer brothers and Bob McCarthy, who represent an era of rugby league that was tough, honest, and built on mateship.

"We are a community club and we are proud to play a small role in helping raise funds and awareness for the brilliant work that the Family of League does."

A pre-match function at the stadium on Saturday will help to raise funds for the Family of League Foundation, which supports men, women and children of the grassroots rugby league community who need physical, financial or emotional support.

While the Mortimer-McCarthy dinner has officially sold out, supporters can still get behind the cause through donation or membership. More details are available at https://familyofleague.org.au/

Last year's cup winners, South Sydney will look to defend the cup when the two teams line up to meet for the second time of the 2023 season.