Russell Crowe designed South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Anzac jumper in tribute to submariners

He was no stranger to combat in The Gladiator, and now Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe has got creative to pay tribute to our armed forces.

Russell Crowe designed South Sydney's Anzac jersey.

He co-owns an NRL club, is a Hollywood star, Academy Award winner and can now claim to be an apparel designer.

In a stirring tribute to the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe has personally designed the club’s Anzac round jumper for Thursday night’s blockbuster against Penrith.

Crowe, whose character squares off against the devil in his latest film, The Pope’s Exorcist, has been busy behind the scenes at Souths, sketching the jersey.

Gone are the traditional cardinal and myrtle colours, replaced by dark, bold stripes that are a far cry from anything the Rabbitohs have worn before.

“At South Sydney, over time, we have had Anzac Day jerseys that honour all the Army, the 100th year of the air force and the Royal Australian Navy last year,” Crowe said.

South Sydney players Isaiah Tass, Cameron Murray and Jed Cartwright in the Rabbitohs' Anzac jersey. Picture: Courtesy South Sydney Rabbitohs

“This year we honour the submariners that keep our nation safe.

“The design of black and dark grey stripes is based on the way light refracts underwater.”

Inspired by the hull of a submarine in deep water, the stripes symbolise the bravery, courage and resilience of Australia’s submariners.

The Royal Australian Navy Submarine service tribute badge has been embedded with Souths’ famous emblem on the front of the jersey.

Crowe designed the jumper before seeking approval from his good friend, vice admiral and chief of navy, Mark Hammond, who is also a former submariner.

Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth in The Pope’s Exorcist.

“We’ve established a wonderful partnership with the navy in recent seasons, and we’re grateful to vice admiral Mark Hammond for his support of the club,” South Sydney CEO Blake Solly said.

“We are extremely proud to honour those men and women who make the sacrifices they do for our nation.

“We are looking forward to welcoming a number of men and women from the navy to our game on Thursday night. It will be a great match, and a fitting contribution to the NRL’s Anzac round of matches.”

The Rabbitohs’ navy links don’t end there.

Mardi Longford is a petty officer maritime personnel supervisor who also plays for Souths.

“I am a HR sailor who has been in the navy for seven years and I play prop for South Sydney in the Harvey Norman women’s premiership,” she said.

Souths’ Mardi Longford.

“Both organisations are similar in that they are rich with history and many people have paved the way before us. I feel a great sense of pride when I put on both uniforms. I’m super blessed and grateful to be part of it.”

Around 20,000 people are expected to attend the match, a terrific crowd given the usual challenge of attracting fans on a Thursday night.

“It’s another exciting Anzac round for us this year (because) we’re able to represent the submarine force,” Rabbitohs skipper Cam Murray said on Tuesday.

“We talked about it this morning at our team meeting. They are the silent service and pride themselves on doing a pretty important role but going under the radar a little bit and not getting the recognition they deserve.

“We’re excited to run out in this jersey and represent a pretty important part of the navy.”