Talk of a fallout between South Sydney Rabbitohs heavyweights Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court is gaining momentum, with rugby league commentator Ray Hadley tipping the latter to leave the club by the end of the season.
The Hollywood star and Sydney businessman bought the Rabbitohs two years ago, but the club’s disastrous start to the 2008 NRL season is believed to be taking its toll.
Speaking on his 2GB morning program, Ray Hadley said he had been “reliably informed†that Crowe has been seen out lunching with former Souths CEO Shane Richardson, who was replaced by Holmes a Court after the takeover.
“Not too far away from where Russell Crowe lives Richo [Shane Richardson] has been seen meeting and supping with Russell Crowe, with Peter Holmes a Court nowhere to be seen,†Hadley told his Sydney radio audience.
“The tip I’ve got for you: Peter Holmes a Court to gracefully bow out between now and the rest of the season and disappear from view.â€
Holmes a Court has told News Ltd that although he and Crowe had had frequent disagreements in the wake of the Rabbitohs’ season failure, talk of a fallout was off the mark.
“I have known Russell for seven years. He is a very intense person with an incredible work ethic. We don’t always agree,†he said.
“But I don’t think it’s a rift and I don’t believe it’s a rift. I can’t respond to hypotheticals.”