National Rugby Leagues side South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said that "the imminent departure of Russell Crowe as a co-owner of the club would not have a detrimental impact," on the club, according to Daniel Lane of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Crowe's star power has been widely acknowledged "as a reason the club had obtained an enviable list of sponsors and world-class players." Richardson said that "no sponsors had clauses in their contracts and all their major backers were on board for another two years." Under Crowe's reign, Souths "formed alliances with a veritable who's who of Australia's corporate and business world." Richardson said that "none of the club's sponsorships were tied into Crowe being an owner, and the deals had time running on them." And while Crowe might have put a "for sale" sign on his share of the club, he was "still keeping a close eye on the front office." Richardson said, "Russell might be selling [his share] but he's not going to quit being involved in the club, he's still going to have an interest in it; he'll continue his support for Souths [as a fan]" (SMH, 11/25).
