Sam Burgess has expressed his desire to repay South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe by delivering the club its first NRL premiership in 43 years. The English forward, who has been a key figure for the Rabbitohs, credits Crowe for convincing him to join the club in 2010 and for supporting his return to rugby union at the end of this season.
Crowe, who owns a 37.5% stake in the club, has been instrumental in securing sponsorship and generating interest in the team both domestically and internationally. Burgess described their relationship as close, noting that he and Crowe have been in touch via text messages following the Rabbitohs' preliminary final victory over the Sydney Roosters.
“He’s a normal bloke and I’m a normal fella. I’d love to be part of the team that won the premiership while Russell was still in ownership of the club,” Burgess said. He emphasised that the achievement would be for many people, including the entire squad of 30 players.
Burgess also acknowledged the broader support his family has received from Crowe and the club. The actor signed Sam's brothers George, Luke and Thomas, and has befriended their mother Julie, who now resides in Sydney. “We’re totally grateful for everything the club’s given us,” Burgess added, reflecting on his five-year stint in Australia as a “cracking experience”.
