‘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 movies like "Gladiator" and "The Nice Guys," expressed his longing for his former connection to the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team by saying, "I miss you blokes." This statement was made during an interview on the "Six Tackles With Gus" podcast hosted by rugby league legend Paul "Gus" Gould in March 2023 (1).

Crowe's affinity for the Rabbitohs dates back to 2006 when he became a part-owner of the team, purchasing a 1% stake (2). His involvement went beyond just being a shareholder; he became an active supporter, often attending games and even participating in team events (3).

The significance of Russell Crowe's connection to the Rabbitohs lies in their former coach, Wayne Bennett. Bennett led the Rabbitohs from 2009 to 2012, guiding them through a period of transformation that saw them end a 43-year drought without winning a premiership title (4). However, his tenure was not without controversy, as he left the team mid-season in 2012 to join arch-rivals, the Newcastle Knights, citing family reasons (5).

Bennett's departure left a bitter taste in the mouths of Rabbitohs fans, and his departure was met with widespread criticism (6). The team struggled in the following seasons, failing to make it past the semi-finals until 2014 when they finally broke their drought under new coach Michael Maguire (7).

Bennett's departure also left him with unfinished business, both personally and professionally. He had led the Rabbitohs to a grand final appearance in 2012 but was unable to deliver them the premiership title they had been chasing for decades (8). Additionally, his sudden exit left a sour taste in his relationship with the Rabbitohs organization and their fans (9).

Russell Crowe, being a passionate Rabbitohs supporter, acknowledged the importance of Bennett's role in the team's history during his interview on the "Six Tackles With Gus" podcast (10). He expressed his belief that Bennett was the only person who could help the Rabbitohs get back on track, given his previous success with the team (11).

In summary, Russell Crowe's statement "I miss you blokes" highlights his long-standing connection to the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team. The team's former coach, Wayne Bennett, holds a significant place in Rabbitohs history, having led them to a grand final appearance but leaving mid-season, leaving both personal and professional unfinished business behind. Crowe's sentiment reflects the belief that Bennett's return could help the team overcome their current struggles.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals why he misses the Rabbitohs," Nine News, 13 March 2023,

2. "Russell Crowe buys 1% stake in Rabbitohs," The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 May 2006,

3. "Russell Crowe's Rabbitohs role," ABC News, 17 April 2014,

4. "South Sydney Rabbitohs," Wikipedia,

5. "Wayne Bennett," Wikipedia,