John Sutton re-signs with South Sydney

Newly re-signed South Sydney playmaker John Sutton says there was “no way” was going to leave Redfern.

Sutton has agreed a new contract with the Rabbitohs, which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2017 season.

Officials at Penrith were rumoured to be preparing to table a lucrative offer to prise Sutton away from Souths, but the 28-year-old was adamant no other clubs were in the picture.

“I’ve never wanted to play anywhere but South Sydney,” five-eighth Sutton said.

“We have wonderful support from our Members and supporters every week, and there was no way I was going to move away from any of this.

I love the club, I’m 100% behind the direction which we are going in, I’m enjoying playing under ‘Madge’ and I’m sure there are special times ahead for the Rabbitohs.

“I’m glad that I am going to be a part of that, and I’m looking forward to getting out on the field against the Warriors this week as our next challenge of this season.”

Sutton has made 186 NRL appearances for the Rabbitohs since making his club debut in 2004.

Head coach Michael Maguire was delighted at retaining Sutton.

“John has grown to be one of the more influential leaders at our Club and I couldn’t be happier that he has re-signed for four more years,” Maguire said.

“He has proved himself as someone that leads the way both on and off the field here at Souths, which led him to be selected as one of five captains at the Club last year, and he is massive part of what we’re doing as a group here at the moment.”