Hollywood star Russell Crowe has rubbished reports he is looking to sell out of NRL club South Sydney as “bulls–t”.

Reports emerged on Monday that the Oscar-winner was in the market to sell his 25 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs, which he bought with businessman Peter Holmes A Court for $3 million in 2006.

The Daily Telegraph said Crowe had been seeking potential investors both in Australia and overseas to take up his ownership stake, now estimated to be worth between $15 and $20 million.

News Corp also reported there had been interest from a US investor, who was said to be carrying out a business appraisal and due diligence of the Rabbitohs’ operations.

But in a statement on Monday, Crowe advised journalists to make the most of the Australian weather rather than concern themselves with his business dealings.

“Just tell them all it’s bulls–t, and advise them to enjoy the summer sun,” Crowe said.

He doubled down on social media shortly afterwards, dubbing reports of his sale “conspiracy theories”.

“Re SSFC, what would January in Australia be without desperate legacy media conspiracy theories? Enjoy the summer sun while it’s there and ignore the trolls,” he wrote on X.

The Oscar-winning star of Gladiator then intimated his confidence in the club’s direction as NRL guru Wayne Bennett resumes head coaching duties following last season’s 16th-placed finish.

“WB back onboard,” Crowe wrote.

“A fresh energy about the place. An arrowhead on our intentions.”

Re SSFC
What would January in Australia be without desperate legacy media conspiracy theories?
Enjoy the summer sun while it’s there and ignore the trolls.
WB back onboard.
A fresh energy about the place .
An arrowhead on our intentions. #SSTID #GGTSS

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) January 6, 2025

The Rabbitohs declined to comment publicly when contacted.

Crow and Homes A Court bought South Sydney early in 2006, with the team finishing the season in last place. In 2007, it returned to finals for the first time since 1989.

Holmes A Court sold his share in 2014, the same year Souths posted a fairytale grand-final victory over Canterbury. It marked the Rabbitohs’ first premiership since 1971.

Crowe spoke about that time of his passion for the club.

“I have loved the responsibility of bringing South Sydney back to being a competitive force,” he said.

“South Sydney ‘til I die – one red eye, one green eye.”

Today, Crowe owns a 25 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs, while James Packer, tech mogul Mike Cannon-Brookes and Souths members each also have a quarter.

Souths finished the 2024 season in 16th place with their fewest wins since 2006.

-with AAP