- The Hollywood megastar has been the club’s figurehead since 2006
- The club has gone from being a basement to playing in grand finals
Russell Crowe is reportedly trying to sell his stake in South Sydney after playing a leading role in leading the club from basement dwellers to premierships since paying $3 million to take over the team in 2006.
The Hollywood star owns 25 percent of the ‘Pride League’ and is now looking for investors to buy his stake, which is now valued at up to $20 million, according to news corporation.
Souths were struggling both on and off the field before Gladiator star and businessman Peter Holmes à Court dramatically gained control, with Crowe giving a moving speech to members to convince them to let the club go. made 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 turned the corner soon after, reaching their first finals series in 18 seasons when they placed in the top eight in 2007.
Russell Crowe (pictured at a Souths game in 2021 with Chris Hemsworth, right) is reportedly set 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 chief executive in May 2008, and Crowe currently holds an equal stake in the club with businessmen Mike Cannon-Brookes, James Packer and members of the team.
An American investor is interested in buying the stake and is having South Sydney’s operations scrutinized, according to the report, which also claims Packer and Cannon-Brookes have the option to buy Crowe’s shares.
Crowe brought the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to the club almost immediately, famously dressing players in Armani gear and attracting megastars like Tom Cruise and Chris Hemsworth to games.
More to come…