Joe Hildebrand has answered the mystifying question of how a Melbourne-born boy became a South Sydney Rabbitohs fan. 

The year was 2000, Joe tells us, and he was starting out as a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed cadet journalist.

“I was terrified that people were going to want to talk to me about the footy, or I’d be expected to know stuff…

“I do not know the first thing about NRL – I don’t even have a team!”

But thankfully, the timing was just right for Joe to concoct the perfect excuse…

Press PLAY below to hear how the stars aligned