Hollywood’s Russell Crowe eyes Rabbitohs exit after 19 Years

Hollywood star and South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe is reportedly looking to sell his 25 percent share in the iconic NRL club.

Crowe, who acquired the stake alongside businessman Peter Holmes a Court for $3 million in 2006, has been instrumental in the club’s revival.

His share is now estimated to be worth between $15 million and $20 million, according to Code Sports.

Reports indicate Crowe has been in discussions with potential investors, including an American party that has conducted a business appraisal of the Rabbitohs.

The move marks a significant chapter for the storied club, with Crowe considering stepping away after nearly two decades.

The Rabbitohs’ current ownership structure sees Crowe holding 25 percent, with tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes and businessman James Packer jointly owning 50 percent.

The remaining 25 percent is owned by Rabbitohs members.

Crowe’s departure could also raise questions about Packer’s involvement, given he initially bought in at Crowe’s request in 2014.

Crowe’s influence at the club has reportedly diminished in recent years.

His decision to sell follows a turbulent period for the Rabbitohs, including their 2024 rugby league campaign, where they finished 16th on the ladder with only seven wins.

The fallout between Crowe and former club legend Sam Burgess over alleged preferential treatment of players like Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker has added another layer to the story.

Burgess, who resigned in 2024, denied any falling out, saying, “There was no disagreement with Russell about any of it.”

Despite recent struggles, one of Crowe’s final acts as co-owner has been to secure the return of Wayne Bennett as head coach for 2025.

Bennett, who previously guided the Rabbitohs to the 2021 NRL Grand Final, praised Crowe’s commitment, stating on 2GB radio in 2021:

“Football’s been my life since I was born, and he’s as committed as anyone I’ve seen at a club. He’s done some wonderful things and he’s a great guy to work with. But what I admire most about him is that he’s so deep into the history of Souths. He believes it and lives it.”

Crowe’s potential exit signals the end of an era for South Sydney, a club he helped transform from financial instability to premiership glory in 2014.

As Crowe seeks to sell his stake, speculation swirls about who will take on his role, with Cannon-Brookes reportedly emerging as a key figure in shaping the club’s future.

The Rabbitohs are currently set to face Wayne Bennett’s old club, the Dolphins, in the first round of the 2025 NRL season, with the top NRL bookmakers marking the club as a $1.55 favourite.

Sports news