League: Crowe's cash out of favour

Russell Crowe

SYDNEY - South Sydney patriarch George Piggins doesn't support Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe's multimillion-dollar bid to buy the Rabbitohs.

Crowe and his friend, businessman Peter Holmes a Court, have been negotiating to buy the club either partially or outright, reportedly offering a A$10 million-plus ($10.9 million) takeover bid.

Holmes a Court has already held due diligence talks with Souths Leagues Club chairman Piggins and National Rugby League chief executive David Gallop and is expected to submit a written proposal to the club's board.

Under the proposal, the pair will own 80 per cent of the club with 20 per cent in the hands of members.

Key issues such as where they play games and team colours would be left to the club.

Gallop said he would keep an open mind and Souths chairman Nick Pappas revealed the club was "honoured" to be in talks with the pair.

But Piggins said he would prefer to see the cashed-up South Sydney Juniors Leagues Club step in and take control.

"I've got to be honest, I think the South Sydney junior and senior leagues are one."

Brisbane, Melbourne and the Warriors are privately-owned NRL clubs but Piggins said Souths were different.

"You are talking about 100 years of history where members have run their football clubs quite successfully. And here we are wanting to change that history."

But Piggins said he appreciated Crowe's passion for the 97-year-old club.

"I think it is good he is a member of the club, I think he's got the club's interests at heart. But there is a bigger picture and it doesn't mean it is the way we should go."

- AAP