Rusty caps big day for Oprah

RUSSELL Crowe was forced to cede the star limelight to Oprah Winfrey yesterday

RUSSELL Crowe was forced to cede the star limelight to Oprah Winfrey yesterday.

But he made sure he still capitalised on the world's biggest public relations spectacular coming to town.

When the actor and the US talk-show queen took to Sydney Harbour together, Crowe, co-owner of the South Sydney rugby league club, ensured they were wearing matching Rabbitohs caps.

Winfrey is the latest in a string of Hollywood identities Crowe has signed up to the Rabbitohs' cause, following in the footsteps of actresses Sharon Stone and Pamela Anderson and rapper Snoop Dogg, who have either attended South Sydney games or been photographed in the club gear.

In the latest day out for the Winfrey circus, a 21-boat flotilla headed by a replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour took the US celebrity, her 302 guests and numerous staff for more than an hour of sightseeing.

Winfrey will film two episodes of her TV show on the steps of the Opera House today, featuring big-name guests including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton-John, and performances from the likes of Bon Jovi and Jay-Z.

Winfrey rode the waves yesterday aboard Eagle Rock with best friend Gayle King, Crowe and his wife Danielle.

She said she was having "the best time ever," as her boat passed the media vessel.

"I'm jealous Russell gets to live here all the time."

Crowe made a victory sign. Asked if he knew how to sail, he retorted: "You should see a movie called Master and Commander."

Winfrey said it would be "better without all the cameras".

Winfrey's crew has reportedly taken over the 12th floor of the Intercontinental hotel. With security for tonight's shows expected to rival the 2007 APEC summit, police and transport authorities are advising Sydneysiders without a ticket to avoid Circular Quay tonight. Roads will be blocked and buses diverted.