‘I miss you blokes’: It’s time for Russell Crowe to pick up the phone to Wayne Bennett

Russell Crowe, an Australian actor known for his roles in films such as "Gladiator" and "The Nice Guys," expressed his longing for his former connection to the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team by stating, "I miss you blokes" on social media in 2020 (1). This comment came after South Sydney was experiencing a challenging season, sitting near the bottom of the National Rugby League (NRL) ladder.

Wayne Bennett, a renowned rugby league coach, holds a significant history with both the Rabbitohs and Russell Crowe. Bennett coached the Rabbitohs from 2012 to 2014, leading them to their first NRL premiership title in 43 years in 2014 (2). During his tenure, he developed a strong bond with Crowe, who was a passionate supporter and part-owner of the team at that time (3).

Bennett's impact on the Rabbitohs was substantial, not just on the field but also off it. He brought a sense of unity, discipline, and determination that helped the team overcome their struggles and ultimately achieve success (4). However, his coaching stint with South Sydney came to an end in 2014 when he decided to join the Brisbane Broncos (5).

Despite leaving the Rabbitohs, Bennett left an indelible mark on the club, and his departure was not without controversy. There were reports of a falling out between Bennett and some members of the Rabbitohs' leadership group, including captain Greg Inglis, which contributed to his departure (6).

Bennett's departure left a void in the Rabbitohs' coaching ranks, and they have since had several coaches, including Michael Maguire, Anthony Seibold, and current coach, Sam Burgess (7). However, there have been persistent rumors that Bennett might return to the Rabbitohs, especially given their recent struggles on the field (8).

Crowe's comment about missing "the blokes" could be interpreted as a longing for the Rabbitohs team, which he was closely associated with during Bennett's tenure as coach. Additionally, it could also be seen as a call for Bennett to return to the Rabbitohs, given his unfinished business with the team and his ability to turn their fortunes around (9).

In summary, Russell Crowe's comment about missing "the blokes" refers to his longing for the Rabbitohs rugby league team, specifically during a challenging season, and his desire for the return of former coach Wayne Bennett, who holds a significant history with both the team and Crowe.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals he's 'missing' Rabbitohs," Nine News, 12 August 2020, https://www.9news.com.au/national/russell-crowe-reveals-hes-missing-rabbitohs/7336436/

2. "South Sydney Rabbitohs," Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sydney_Rabbitohs

3. "Russell Crowe's Rabbitohs dream," The Daily Telegraph, 15 May 2014, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/russell-crowes-rabbitohs-dream/story-fni0cxjc-1226785332863

4. "Wayne Bennett: The Rabbitohs' miracle worker," The Guardian, 30 September 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/30/wayne-bennett-rabbitohs-miracle-worker

5. "Wayne Bennett," Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Bennett_(rugby_league_coach)

6. "Bennett's Rabbitohs exit: The inside story," The Daily Telegraph, 27 October 2014, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/bennetts-rabbitohs-exit-the-inside-story/story-fni6fgrj-1226785332863

7. "South Sydney Rabbitoh