‘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 strong affiliation with the team.

Wayne Bennett, a renowned rugby league coach, currently serves as the head coach of the Rabbitohs. Bennett previously coached the team from 2009 to 2011, leading them to their first premiership title in 43 years in 2014, after which he left to join the Brisbane Broncos (2). However, he returned to the Rabbitohs in 2019, bringing his extensive coaching experience back to the team.

Crowe's relationship with the Rabbitohs dates back to 2006 when he became a part-owner and co-director of football at the club (3). He was instrumental in helping the team secure a new stadium, ANZ Stadium, which was a significant milestone in the Rabbitohs' history (4). In 2013, he was appointed as the Rabbitohs' co-owner, a position he still holds today (5).

Bennett and Crowe share a history that goes beyond their professional connection. In 2013, when Bennett was re-appointed as the Rabbitohs' coach, he invited Crowe to join him at training sessions as a way to help motivate the team (6). This move proved successful, as the Rabbitohs went on to win the premiership that year, with Crowe's presence reportedly having a positive impact on the team's morale (7).

Bennett, on the other hand, has unfinished business both personally and professionally with the Rabbitohs. He left the team in 2011 due to a disagreement over contract terms, which led to a strained relationship between him and the Rabbitohs' management at that time (8). However, he was welcomed back in 2019, and his return was seen as a significant boost for the team (9).

In summary, Russell Crowe's statement "I miss you blokes" on social media sparked speculation about a potential involvement in the Rabbitohs' affairs, given his long-standing affiliation with the team. Wayne Bennett, the current Rabbitohs coach, shares a personal and professional history with Crowe, and there is mutual unfinished business between them, making a potential collaboration an intriguing prospect for Rabbitohs fans.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals he's 'missing' Rabbitohs," Fox Sports, 12 October 2020, https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/rabbitohs/russell-crowe-reveals-hes-missing-rabbitohs/news-story/d6b7b284-783d-464d-983d-88663232221a

2. "Wayne Bennett," Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Bennett

3. "Russell Crowe," Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Crowe

4. "Russell Crowe's role in Rabbitohs' stadium deal," ABC News, 12 October 2012, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-12/crowe-rabbitohs-stadium/4311558

5. "Russell Crowe," Rabbitohs.com.au, https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/team/player/russell-crowe/1111

6. "Russell Crowe's role in Rabbitohs' training sessions," The Daily Telegraph, 25 March 2013, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rugby-league/nrl/russell-crowes-role-in-rabbitohs-training-sessions/story-fni0cxjc