South Sydney has pulled out of a proposed NRL game against Manly in the United States next year, robbing the mooted event of the superstar support of Russell Crowe.
Both teams were initially keen to participate in what would be the first competition game staged outside Australia or New Zealand, but the Rabbitohs feel there’s not enough time to pull off the huge logistical task. The foundation club would be interested in participating in the event in 2024.
The Australian Rugby League Commission is due to meet next week to discuss the feasibility of proceeding with the match next year without the Rabbitohs.
“We’ve made it really clear to the NRL that we thought 2024 was a better option,” said Souths CEO Blake Solly.
“There are a lot of complications this year with the World Cup, the All Stars in New Zealand and the introduction of the 17th team next year and the challenges that creates for the scheduling of the regular season.
“We are very happy to support a game in 2024 as part of a long-term strategy in the US.”
Manly and South Sydney were in a unique promotional position given Sea Eagles fan Hugh Jackman and Rabbitohs counterpart Crowe were keen to spruik the historic fixture.
Jackman told the Herald in April: “Bring it on! Would love for it to happen. They would love the great game of rugby league here in the US I’m sure.”
While Crowe may still lend help to hype the game, his involvement is sure to scale back now that the team he part owns isn’t playing.
Russell Crowe and his beloved Rabbitohs.Credit:Quentin Jones
St George Illawarra had been earmarked as a potential replacement for the Rabbitohs, but the joint-venture outfit is unlikely to participate.
“It’s not something that has been raised with us but I would be fairly hesitant with what is already a very disrupted off season ahead of us in 2023,” said Dragons CEO Ryan Webb.
The NRL is keen to give the game a global audience and cash in on the explosion in legalised sports betting in the US, hoping the code can grab a piece of the $500 billion-plus that was previously wagered on the black market.
Rugby league has had a chequered history in America. The last foray was the ill-fated Denver Test match between New Zealand and England, in which the promoter suffered a financial loss, resulting in the players initially being out of pocket.
