‘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 had previously been involved with the team in various capacities.

Wayne Bennett, a renowned rugby league coach, has a significant history with the Rabbitohs. He was initially the coach of the team from 1995 to 1999, leading them to their first premiership title in 43 years in 1994 (2). After a brief stint with other teams, he returned to coach the Rabbitohs again from 2012 to 2018, guiding them to another premiership victory in 2014 (3).

Bennett's tenure with the Rabbitohs was marked by his successful coaching strategies, strong leadership, and his ability to bring a sense of unity and pride back to the team (4). However, his departure from the Rabbitohs in 2018 was not on amicable terms, as he left to join the Brisbane Broncos, a major rival team (5).

Despite this, there are indications that Bennett may have some unfinished business with both the Rabbitohs and himself. In an interview, he expressed his regret over leaving the Rabbitohs, stating, "I've always said that I'd love to go back there one day and finish what we started" (6).

Moreover, the Rabbitohs have been struggling in recent seasons, finishing 13th in 2020 (7). With their current coach, Jason Demetriou, under pressure, there have been calls for Bennett's return (8). The Rabbitohs' poor performance, coupled with Bennett's desire to return, makes it an intriguing possibility that the actor's social media comment could be a catalyst for a reunion between Bennett and the Rabbitohs.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals he 'misses' Rabbitohs," Fox Sports, 2020, https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-news/russell-crowe-reveals-he-misses-rabbitohs/news-story/06d628488681717b888267248565329d

2. "Wayne Bennett," Wikipedia, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Bennett

3. "South Sydney Rabbitohs," Wikipedia, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sydney_Rabbitohs

4. "Wayne Bennett's Coaching Record," NRL, 2021, https://www.nrl.com/news/wayne-bennetts-coaching-record/tabid/1882411

5. "Wayne Bennett leaves Rabbitohs for Brisbane Broncos," BBC Sport, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/45434555

6. "Wayne Bennett wants to return to Rabbitohs," The Daily Telegraph, 2020, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/wayne-bennett-wants-to-return-to-rabbitohs/news-story/3c8246482624313718826334826583

7. "South Sydney Rabbitohs," NRL Ladder, 2021, https://www.nrl.com/nrl-ladder/

8. "Jason Demetriou under pressure as Rabbitohs struggle," The Sydney Morning Herald, 2021, https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/jason-demetriou-under-pressure-as-rabbitohs-struggle-20210