Academy Award winner and rugby league tragic Russell Crowe will sell out of South Sydney at the end of 2013, according to reports.
Russell Crowe watches on during the NRL preliminary final between the Bulldogs and Souths at ANZ Stadium. Source: Getty Images
HE will walk away from South Sydney after next season but Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe last night declared: "South Sydney 'til I die - one red eye, one green eye."
Crowe will sell his 37.5 per cent stake in the club after a difficult year professionally and personally.
Speaking exclusively from New York, Crowe said: "I have loved the responsibility of bringing South Sydney back to being a competitive force."
Souths will hold a press conference this morning at Redfern Oval to confirm Crowe's exit.
Crowe and co-owner Peter Holmes a Court bought 75 per cent of the club in March 2006, the club's members owning the remaining 25 per cent. They have tipped in a combined total of about $11 million.
There was anxiety last night among Souths fans, worried who might buy their famous club. Members will only get the chance to buy back the club if the Rabbitohs go into administration, an unlikely possibility given the NRL's $1 billion broadcast deal.
Crowe secured proud old club's future
The Daily Telegraph contacted Holmes a Court in New York but he would not reveal his plans for the club.
Crowe's long-time antagonist, Souths legend George Piggins, said: "Football clubs aren't easy to sell."
Holmes a Court and Crowe share four seats on a seven-man board.
The Rabbitohs' 2012 season was the most successful in decades, with new coach Michael Maguire getting them to within one match of the grand final appearance.
Crowe lured some of rugby league's best players to Redfern including Craig Wing, Roy Asotasi, Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis.
Souths enjoyed their strongest year since re-admittance in 2002, reaching the preliminary final before losing to Canterbury.
"It's pretty simple, I have to make more time for my family," he said. "I have loved the responsibility of bringing South Sydney back to being a competitive force.
"With many player contracts long-term and a great coach in place it's the right time. This will only be a change at the corporate level of Blackcourt, the company that Peter and I control.
"Members and fans should understand that nothing will change at a club level."
He then added: "South Sydney 'til I die - one red eye, one green eye."
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Peter Holmes a Court added:"Russell has announced that this will be his last season as an owner of the Rabbitohs," he said. "There are so many great things that he has done over the last six seasons that will never be seen.
"One thing that will always stay with the club is his pursuit of excellence in everything we do, a drive that has to be seen to be believed.
"This passion and focus is now in the club's DNA and it won't ever leave.
"All praise to him for his investment, his passion, his time and his love of the Rabbitohs. I consider myself fortunate to have been by his side for some of the ride. The club's never been stronger."
Piggins said Crowe's decision had come quicker than he an
"I don't know the reasons but I do know it's left Souths in a very poor position," he said.
"Football clubs aren't easy to sell. This has come a little quicker than I thought.
"I was worried about this in the first place.
"Souths now have to find someone to buy them. They don't have leagues club backing so they have a lot of thinking to do.
"Homebush (ANZ Stadium) is hard enough to get to. The new owners might take it further away. If the club goes out of the state or to country areas, the fans will be watching it on TV like I do."
Asked would he now attend matches, Piggins said: "If they came back to Redfern or the SCG I might wander back.
"But I'm not 40 anymore. I am nearly 70 and it's difficult getting to the western suburbs.
"It's not just Russell Crowe. Every club has a few billygoats (in their fan base) and if they have a shot at you, you may not hold your temper. I've had enough (of attending games)."
Pressed on whether he would he buy Crowe's shares, Piggins said: "No way in the world."
Acting NRL chief executive Shane Mattiske also added: "Russell has demonstrated a real passion for the club and a real dedication to help the club succeed. It will be a real change if Russell isn't at the club next season."
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