Russell Crowe has called upon South Sydney fans to support the struggling club financially, admitting his cash injections will not last forever.
The Hollywood actor-cum-Rabbitohs co-owner personally issued the impassioned plea in a video email to all members - a six minute propaganda piece which featured Crowe sitting somber-faced in front of a very distinguished timber bookcase.
"Next week someone will need to find a couple of hundred grand for gym equipment, fifty or sixty more for interior design fit-out costs at Redfern, individual named lockers, ice-baths built in," Crowe, a co-owner alongside Perth millionaire Peter Holmes-a-Court, told the red and green faithful.
"Now don't worry about the bill. Between generous sponsors and myself, we'll get it done this time.
"I will tell you this though. I won't continue to put the type of cash I've had to into Souths so far forever. The business has to begin stand on its own feet.
"Be quite sure that is not an emotional issue for me. It is what it is.
"We cannot rely on the NRL or any other governing body. We have to be what we've always been - self reliant to the core."
Crowe insisted the club must become self-supportive and said that could only be achieved with 15,000 members.
"Here's a reality check. We have 5700-something members now. Our stated goal for the year is 8000," Crowe explained.
"But we need 15,000. That's right. Budget reality check is we need 15,000 paid up members, preferably season ticket holders, renewing year-in year-old to keep us heading in the right direction, to fill the whole between major sponsors, NRL grand and the true cost of doing business.
"It's just not good enough to be a fan of Souths. It's imperative to be a member.
"Belong to Souths. Become a member."
15/12/2008 4:31:20 AM 
What's with the negative spin "Rusty's warning to fans: I won't keep bailing Souths out" ? Russell is doing what every other team owner or CEO should be doing. Stating hardcore facts to the supporters and public that clubs will die without financial support of members.
One thing is for sure, no matter what spin, doom and gloom the Telecrap, News Limited and others dredge up, the Rabbitohs will be never die...unlike some other clubs with 600 members :) 
Posted by: Howard Jones, Sydney, Australia Reply
