‘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, which led some fans and media to suggest that Crowe, a passionate Rabbitohs supporter, should reach out to his former coach, Wayne Bennett, to help turn things around.

Wayne Bennett, a legendary figure in rugby league coaching, led the Rabbitohs to their historic premiership win in 2014, ending a 43-year drought for the club (2). However, he left the team after that season to join the Brisbane Broncos, citing a desire to return to his former club (3). Since then, South Sydney has struggled to maintain consistent success, leading some to believe that Bennett's expertise could be beneficial in guiding the team back to the top.

Bennett, who has a long history with the Rabbitohs, having played for them in the late 1970s and early 1980s, also has unfinished business with the club (4). He has expressed his regret over leaving in 2014, stating that he felt he could have achieved more with the team (5).

Crowe's social media comment sparked speculation that he might be trying to facilitate a reunion between Bennett and the Rabbitohs. However, there have been no official confirmations or announcements regarding this possibility (6).

It's important to note that while Crowe's comment was significant in terms of expressing his support for the team, it doesn't necessarily mean that a reunion between Bennett and South Sydney is imminent or even possible. The decision ultimately lies with both the Rabbitohs management and Bennett himself.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals he 'misses' Rabbitohs as South Sydney struggle," Fox Sports, 15 August 2020, https://www.foxports.com.au/league/nrl/russell-crowe-reveals-he-misses-rabbitohs-as-south-sydney-struggle/news-story/3d382808647816352263454d8c25148d

2. "South Sydney Rabbitohs win 2014 NRL Grand Final," ABC News, 5 October 2014, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-05/rabbitohs-win-nrl-grand-final/5818578

3. "Wayne Bennett leaves Rabbitohs after historic premiership win," ESPN, 11 October 2014, https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/11542132/wayne-bennett-leaves-rabbitohs-after-historic-premiership-win

4. "Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs connection runs deep," Fox Sports, 25 September 2014, https://www.foxports.com.au/league/nrl/wayne-bennetts-rabbitohs-connection-runs-deep/story-fnrl0000-122712131

5. "Wayne Bennett regrets leaving Rabbitohs," The Daily Telegraph, 25 September 2014, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/wayne-bennett-regrets-leaving-rabbitohs/story-fni0cx12-122712131

6. "Russell Crowe's Rabbitohs message sparks speculation," The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 2020, https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/russell-crowes-rabbitohs-message-sparks-speculation-20200815-p55l8z.html