Russell Crowe: Hollywood star calls ‘bulls***’ on reports he is selling his stake in Rabbitohs NRL franchise
Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe has angrily denied reports that he is trying to offload his stake in the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL franchise saying it’s all ‘bulls***’.
Crowe was widely credited for saving the Rabbitohs and providing the impetus that led them to their drought-breaking 2014 NRL premiership win, but reports surfaced on Monday that he now wants out of South Sydney.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Crowe’s 25 per cent stake could be worth as much as $20 million after the actor and Peter Holmes a Court bought the struggling franchise for $3 million in 2006.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The rugby league-loving Crowe told AAP that speculation alongside real estate rumours that he is looking to sell his $40 million Finger Wharf property in the Sydney waterside suburb of Woolloomooloo are false.
In a statement provided to AAP, Crowe advised journalists to make the most of the Australian weather rather than concern themselves with his business dealings.
“Just tell them all it’s bulls***, and advise them to enjoy the summer sun,” Crowe said.
Souths ownership is divided four ways between Crowe, billionaire James Packer, tech mogul Mike Cannon-Brookes and Rabbitohs members.
Packer or Cannon-Brookes could easily buy out Crowe, while a US investor is reportedly also interested is assessing the offer.
Crowe is a lifelong Rabbitohs supporter who said he “loved the responsibility of bringing South Sydney back to being a competitive force”.
The Kiwi’s strong bond with the Burgess brothers, namely Sam, who played through the 2014 30-6 grand final win over Canterbury with a broken jaw, is the stuff of legend at Redfern.
“It’s a grand reward for those who stepped up to the plate and said we weren’t to put up with Souths being a losing club anymore,” Crowe said at the time.
The rumoured sale comes as Wayne Bennett resumes his role as coach at the club after tumultuous tenure from 2019 to 2021. Crowe and Bennett have a strong relationship.
South Sydney declined to comment when approached by AAP.
With AAP
