Just days out from their NRL season opener against Melbourne, South Sydney were given some heavyweight support from star co-owner Russell Crowe on Monday as the Hollywood actor watched the Rabbitohs’ training session at Redfern Oval.

Impossible to miss in black shorts, black polo shirt and a fluffy grey beard, Crowe watched his first session in 12 months from the top of the Redfern Oval grandstand, before greeting several of the club’s stars, including coach Wayne Bennett.

The A-lister hung around for the bulk of the session before he and a blonde companion hopped on some mountain bikes and disappeared into the back streets.

Crowe managed to avoid most cameras after arriving at the session following the mandated 15-minute period at the start where filming and photography is allowed by the club.

Rabbitohs legend John Sutton, who once famously spent four days drinking expensive wine while sitting on the set of Crowe’s 2005 film A Good Year in the south of France, asked the Oscar winner about his next movie.

Bennett later met with Crowe before the Gladiator star engaged in a long conversation with club CEO Blake Solly.

Players gave Crowe a wave as they came from the field, and star hooker Damien Cook admitted it had been a few years since the club’s owner had addressed the playing group.

“Back in 2016 and 2017 when we weren’t travelling as well, there would be times he’d put on a dinner and try to lift our spirits,” Cook said.

Source: | This article originally belongs to smh.com.au

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