David Peachey might joke it's only those Rabbitohs fans "who have a long memory" that remember him in the famed cardinal and myrtle colours, but reverence from supporters goes hand-in-hand with being a South Sydney player.
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The passion of Rabbitohs fans and their fanatical support reaches comedic heights at times, with many keen to find that "random Souths guy" in one of the club's jersey in all sorts of unlikely locations and scenarios.
But it just shows the commitment of the fans who have been through so much.
Dubbo product Peachey reached icon status during 11 years with the Cronulla Sharks but he also became a key figure at South Sydney.
The fullback was one of the major signings at the club when Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes à Court took over in 2006 and while he only spent two seasons with the Rabbitohs the fans never forget.
"That's one thing that's special about the Rabbitohs supporters though," Peachey told the Daily Liberal.
"They're there through the ups and downs, and sometimes there's been more downs then ups.
"But when you look at it they're the most successful club in the competition overall in terms of premierships won.
"They do recognise their past players and that was one of the good things for me. To round out my NRL career and to finish with a club like South Sydney, I'm very humbled."
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Despite the adoration Peachey received during his time with the Sharks, it's something completely different at South Sydney.
Making his time that more memorable was it came during a time when the Rabbitohs were starting a major rebuild under Crowe and Holmes à Court, following a run of three wooden spoons in five years at one point following the club's readmission to the NRL in 2002.
"Spending almost my entire career at my Sharks and having seen how much it meant for the people in the Shire, especially on a Sunday afternoon at Shark Park down there, then to go to the Rabbitohs and see what sort of fanatical fans they are, they're born into that club," Peachey said.
"That's something that will eventually come for the Sharks because they're still such a young club.
"We can talk about who the most fanatical fans are but the Souths fans are right up there at the top in a lot of people's minds."
Those fans will be out in force at Apex Oval on Sunday.
The Rabbitohs meet the unbeaten Penrith Panthers in one of the matches of the NRL season in Dubbo and fans from all over the west and further afield are set to have the ground rocking.
Many fans have already been out in force, with the Rabbitohs and their Souths Cares charity group arriving in Dubbo earlier this week to conduct a number of school and community visits.
Ethan Lowe is one of the former Souths players who's been in town this week and coming across so many supporters has come as no real shock, especially given country fans have been made to go without for so long.
"You can always find a Rabbitohs fan somewhere," he said with a smile.
"That's really good for the club and it's really good for the players and us former players. It's good going somewhere knowing there's going to be Rabbitohs fans around.
"Taking games to the country and get that support for rugby league out here is important for the Rabbitohs and the NRL."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
