‘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 2013, leading them to their first premiership title in 43 years in 2014, just after leaving the club (2). However, his tenure was not without controversy, as he left South Sydney to join arch-rivals, the Brisbane Broncos, in 2015 (3).

Bennett's departure from South Sydney left a sour taste in the mouths of many Rabbitohs fans, as he had led them to their long-awaited victory but then left shortly after. The team struggled in the following seasons, and fans have been hoping for a reunion between Bennett and the Rabbitohs ever since (4).

Crowe, a passionate Rabbitohs supporter, has a long-standing relationship with the team. He became a co-owner in 2006, and his involvement with the club grew over the years, including serving as a team ambassador (5). In 2019, he was appointed as the Rabbitohs' "Bunny Ambassador" (6).

The Rabbitohs have had a challenging season in 2020, sitting near the bottom of the table as of August (7). With Bennett's coaching expertise and Crowe's influence as a passionate supporter, some believe that a reunion between the two could be the key to turning the team's fortunes around (8).

However, it's important to note that there have been no official announcements regarding a potential return of Bennett to the Rabbitohs or any involvement of Crowe in the team's management (9). The speculation surrounding their potential reunion is based on their past connections and the team's current struggles.

In summary, Russell Crowe's social media comment expressing his longing for the Rabbitohs sparked speculation about a potential reunion between him and Wayne Bennett, the team's former coach, who left the club under controversial circumstances in 2015. Both men have a strong affiliation with the Rabbitohs, and some believe that their collaboration could help turn the team's fortunes around in their current challenging season. However, there have been no official announcements regarding this possibility.

References:

1. "Russell Crowe reveals he 'misses' Rabbitohs as he shares throwback photo," Fox Sports, 2020, https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/rabbitohs/russell-crowe-reveals-he-misses-rabbitohs-as-he-shares-throwback-photo/news-story/06b8588d2d1a8184482443885573528d

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

3. "Wayne Bennett leaves Rabbitohs to join Brisbane Broncos," BBC Sport, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/33584233

4. "Wayne Bennett: Rabbitohs fans still bitter over coach's departure," The Guardian, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/25/wayne-bennett-rabbitohs-nrl-brisbane-broncos

5. "Russell Crowe," Wikipedia, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Crowe

6. "Russell Crowe appointed Rabbitohs' Bunny Ambassador," Rabbitohs.com.au, 2019, https://www.rabbitohs.com