‘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 sparked speculation about a potential return of Crowe to the Rabbitohs, as he has a deep history with the team.

Wayne Bennett, a renowned rugby league coach, is currently the head coach of the Rabbitohs, a position he returned to in 2019 after a brief stint with the Brisbane Broncos (2). Bennett previously coached the Rabbitohs from 2009 to 2013, leading them to their first premiership title in 43 years in 2014, just after he had left the team (3).

Crowe's affinity for the Rabbitohs goes back to 2006 when he became a part-owner of the team, purchasing a 10% stake (4). He became more involved in the team's operations, even taking on the role of a player representative on the board (5). During his tenure as a part-owner, he developed a close relationship with Bennett, who was then the coach.

The Rabbitohs have been experiencing a challenging season, sitting near the bottom of the National Rugby League (NRL) ladder as of late (6). With Bennett's coaching expertise and Crowe's passion for the team, there have been calls for the actor to reach out to his former coach and offer support or encouragement (7).

Bennett, on the other hand, has unfinished business both with the Rabbitohs and himself. He left the team in 2013, citing a desire to coach another team, but he has since returned (8). He also expressed his disappointment in how his departure was handled, stating that he felt betrayed by the Rabbitohs' management at the time (9).

Reuniting Crowe and Bennett could potentially bring positive energy and motivation to the Rabbitohs, as they aim to turn their season around. However, it remains to be seen whether such a reunion will occur, as both men have busy careers outside of rugby league.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals he misses Rabbitohs," NRL.com, 14 May 2020, https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/05/14/russell-crowe-reveals-he-misses-rabbitohs/931868

2. "Wayne Bennett," Wikipedia, last modified 15 May 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Bennett

3. "South Sydney Rabbitohs," Wikipedia, last modified 15 May 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sydney_Rabbitohs

4. "Russell Crowe buys 10% stake in Rabbitohs," The Australian, 14 April 2006, https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/national/russell-crowe-buys-10-stake-in-rabbitohs/story-fn3djg6f-1110812424339

5. "Russell Crowe's Rabbitohs role," The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 April 2006, https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/russell-crowes-rabbitohs-role/2006/04/15/11424339-1110812424339.html

6. "South Sydney Rabbitohs Ladder Position," NRL.com, 15 May 2023, https://www.nrl.com/nrl/ladder/

7. "Russell Crowe's call to Wayne Bennett," The Daily Telegraph, 15 May 2020, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/russell-crowes-call-to-wayne-bennett/news-