South Sydney captain Michael Crocker says Russell Crowe's decision to sell his share in the club won't affect the team. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
THE text message stated simply for the South Sydney Rabbitohs playing group to report to Redfern immediately.
Last Sunday, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe shocked the rugby league world by announcing he was selling his 37.5 per cent share in the Rabbitohs.
For a moment, it sent the club into damage control as club officials scrambled to present a unified front about the surprise development.
Aware of how far the club had come under Crowe's seven-year association with the pride of the league, coach Michael Maguire called the Rabbitohs players to a team meeting and outlined how Souths were now strong enough to continue the Hollywood actor's legacy.
Speaking for the first time about Crowe's decision to exit the club, co-captain Michael Crocker thanked the Hollywood actor for his contribution to Redfern.
He backed coach Michael Maguire to continue the Rabbitohs' march towards winning a 21st premiership.
"We're not too worried about it, to tell you the truth," Crocker said.
"It doesn't happen until the end of the year, there's a long road ahead for us and we know Russell's always going to be a big part of the club.
"What he's done for us has obviously helped us get to where we are today.
"And we're all really grateful for it, as I'm sure all the members and fans are.
"It was a decision that Russell has to make and it doesn't really affect us too much. If we win football games, then that's the only thing we can do."
With over 22,000 members and a jersey worth $3 million in sponsorship, the Rabbitohs find themselves in an incredibly strong position. Stamping themselves as a top-four flagship club on a regular basis once Crowe departs will be the challenge.
Having signed a one-year extension at Redfern, Crocker notched his 201st NRL game in last season's heartbreaking grand final qualifier loss to Canterbury-Bankstown.
No surprises, this year Crocker wants the Rabbitohs to progress one game further.
With Dave Taylor having departed for the Gold Coast Titans, Crocker said he was expecting new recruit Ben Te'o to slot into the void left by the massive 122kg Queensland Origin backrower. And the experienced NRL campaigner also tipped up-and-comer Nathan Peats to have a breakout season after being the standout pre-season trainer at Redfern.
"I want to win a grand final," Crocker said.
"I think that's why everyone plays.
"You don't want to come into a season not wanting to win the premiership."We've got a really good club here and a really good group of guys.
"So that'll be our goal as I'm sure it will for most of the other clubs."
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