The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters may share the NRL\u2019s most bitter rivalry, but off the field, their chairmen share a bond that transcends the game. In a heartwarming gesture, Souths chairman Nick Pappas recently hosted a lavish dinner at Sydney\u2019s Fullerton Hotel to celebrate Roosters patriarch Nick Politis\u2014affectionately dubbed \u201cUncle Nick\u201d\u2014for his lifelong contributions to the Greek community. <\/h2>\n
The event drew around 600 guests, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Andrew Liveris, former Chairman & CEO of The Dow Chemical Company and Chairman of The Hellenic Initiative (THI), alongside a pre-recorded tribute from Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Politis, visibly moved, was reportedly brought to tears by the unexpected honor from his rival-turned-friend.<\/p>\n Yet, come Friday night at Accor Stadium, this camaraderie will take a backseat as the two foundation clubs reignite their storied \u201cBook of Feuds.\u201d Souths welcome back superstar Latrell Mitchell from a hamstring injury to face his former team, the Roosters, where he claimed two premierships before a messy exit. <\/p>\n Pappas\u2019s admiration for Politis shines through despite their clubs\u2019 enmity. At the dinner, he lauded Politis\u2019s legacy, a stark contrast to the tension awaiting them on the field. Meanwhile, Bennett remains unfazed about Mitchell\u2019s fiery reputation as the competition\u2019s most sin-binned player. \u201cHe\u2019s grown up,\u201d Bennett insisted. \u201cHe\u2019s fit, focused, and his presence lifts everyone around him.\u201d Mitchell will also take on goalkicking duties, with an eye on reclaiming his fullback role once Souths\u2019 injury list shortens.<\/p>\n For Politis, the dinner was a rare moment of unity in a rivalry defined by division. But as the Roosters prepare to face a resurgent Rabbitohs side, led by a returning Mitchell under Bennett\u2019s steady hand, Friday\u2019s showdown promises to be anything but sentimental. The event also spotlighted Politis\u2019s broader impact, with proceeds supporting <\/p>\n The Hellenic Initiative, a global nonprofit dedicated to fostering economic renewal and cultural pride in Greece\u2014a cause championed by Liveris, whose presence underscored the night\u2019s significance for the Greek diaspora.<\/p>\n![\"Nick](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG-20250406-WA0020-1024x682-jpg.avif)
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