The inside story of how Russell Crowe’s power and influence at South Sydney has waned recently

Russell Crowe was integral in bringing Wayne Bennett back to South Sydney. It might be his final major move at the club he adores. MICHAEL CARAYANNIS takes you inside the Hollywood superstar’s looming exit.

When Russell Crowe rode into Rabbitohs training just before Christmas he did so looking every bit the happy co-owner.

Outwardly at least. Whilst Crowe is a South Sydney man through and through there is little doubt his influence at the club he helped rebuild has started to wane.

But on that day in December at the Rabbitohs’ new multimillion-dollar training base in Maroubra, Crowe seemed happy to again mingle with the man he calls Mr Bennett who was back in control of his beloved Rabbitohs.

Crowe rode into training on his push bike wearing Lycra and looked nothing like a Hollywood celebrity. He spoke to Bennett and players and then watched on as the Rabbitohs went through their paces like he was any other fan.

Russell Crowe helped bring veteran rugby league coach Wayne Bennett back to South Sydney. Picture: AAP

Helping entice Bennett back to the club might be his final major move with suggestions linking Crowe with an exit from the club.

Crowe bought the club alongside Peter Holmes a Court for $3 million almost two in 2006. The club is now worth about $70 million meaning he could ask for almost $20 if he sells his share.

South Sydney officials weren’t totally blindsided by this masthead’s report on Monday morning that Crowe is thinking about selling his 25 per cent stake in the club.

Rumours have stretched back for more than two months when a senior sporting figure flagged with Rabbitohs officials that Crowe might be open to off-loading his part of the club. That hadn’t really gain any momentum until recent developments.

Russell Crowe’s influence over the club has been enormous, and culminated in the club winning the 2014 grand final.

Crowe told some at the club on Monday that he had no intention of selling.

Those at the club though may be the last to know. The board were largely kept in the dark when in 2021 tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes bought a 25 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs alongside Crowe and James Packer.

Whilst Packer has largely been a passive owner, allowing Crowe to flex his muscle, Cannon-Brookes has proven to be no pushover when it comes to serious matters. The power Crowe once had over the organisation has diminished significantly even if his passion hasn’t.

Crowe privately backed under pressure Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou last year. Picture: Getty

It was on show when last year he privately backed coach Jason Demetriou with a text message only for the coach to be sacked hours later.

Cannon-Brookes’ delegate on the board is Kelly Morton. Crowe has two representatives; Keith Rodger and Mikael Borglund.

Crowe still maintains regular contact with Rabbitohs officials but publicly said recently that he doesn’t attend games anymore because his public displays of passion might be impacting the team.

He did however play a key hand in getting Bennett back to the club given the close bond the pair share. But that may now be his final act as a Rabbitohs co-owner.

Originally published as The inside story of how Russell Crowe’s power and influence at South Sydney has waned recently