South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe reportedly ended a phone call with Sam Burgess after the former England international failed to answer questions about the club's direction. The call, which also involved a board member, came as the Rabbitohs' season teeters on the brink of missing the NRL finals.
According to Fox Sports, Crowe sought to broker peace between the coaching staff and the board, but Burgess detailed grievances rather than addressing whether the team could salvage their campaign. The Hollywood star reportedly hung up when Burgess did not provide direct answers.
Meanwhile, Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly has strongly defended star players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker against claims of preferential treatment. Solly told the Daily Telegraph that suggestions of special treatment were 'complete c**p' and that the duo's commitment to the club was beyond question.
Solly also rejected criticism of the club's leadership group, which includes Mitchell, Walker, Campbell Graham, Cam Murray, Damien Cook and Jai Arrow. He stated that the club had deliberately empowered senior players to take more ownership in recent years.
The Rabbitohs, who led the NRL early in the season, have slumped badly and must beat the Sydney Roosters in their final round to have any chance of making the finals. Mitchell will miss that match after accepting a one-match ban for elbowing Newcastle's Tyson Frizell, while Walker has reportedly clashed with coach Jason Demetriou after a recent loss.
