South Sydney owner Russell Crowe ‘is trying to make bombshell move’ that will rock the NRL to its core
- Hollywood megastar has been the club’s figurehead since 2006
- Club has gone from cellar dwellers to major finals
Russell Crowe is trying to sell his stake in South Sydney after playing a leading role in taking the club from cellar dwellers to premiers since paying $3 million to take over the team in 2006, it is reported.
The Hollywood star owns 25 percent of ‘Pride of the League’ and is now looking for investors to buy his stake, which is now valued at $20 million. News Corp.
Souths were struggling both on and off the field before Gladiator star and businessman Peter Holmes à Court dramatically took control, with Crowe giving a moving speech to members to convince them to take the club private.
“My last words to the members were, ‘Let’s vote yes, let’s go to bed together, I hope you respect me in the morning,’” Crowe said at the time.
Souths came around the corner soon after, making their first finals run in 18 seasons when they broke into the top eight in 2007.
Russell Crowe (pictured at a 2021 Souths match with Chris Hemsworth, right) is reportedly keen to sell his stake in the NRL team
The Hollywood star (pictured in 2008) has been the figurehead and co-owner of the Rabbitohs since 2006
Holmes à Court resigned as executive chairman and CEO in May 2008, and Crowe currently has an equal stake in the club as businessmen Mike Cannon-Brookes, James Packer and the team members.
A US investor is interested in buying the stock and is investigating South Sydney’s operations, according to the report, which also says Packer and Cannon-Brookes have the option to buy Crowe’s shares.
Crowe brought Hollywood glitz and glamor to the club almost immediately, famously decking out the players in Armani clothing and bringing along fellow megastars such as Tom Cruise and Chris Hemsworth to matches.
More to come…