LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a surprising twist, NRL reporter Danny Weidler has shed light on the true role played by Russell Crowe in Sam Burgess' decision to leave the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Contrary to previous reports, Weidler revealed that Crowe and Burgess have not fallen out and their relationship remains intact.
This revelation comes after Burgess left his role as assistant coach last week, despite the team's fight for a spot in the NRL finals.
Initially, it was believed that the South Sydney board had left the decision on Burgess' future to co-owner Crowe, following a disagreement with coach Jason Demetriou.
It was reported that Crowe hung up on Burgess and the board after the Englishman expressed his inability to work with Demetriou any longer.
However, Weidler's latest report suggests a different story.
Crowe and Burgess formed a strong bond during the team's premiership win in 2014, and their relationship has not soured.
In fact, Burgess, his fiancée Lucy Graham, and their newborn baby are set to be welcomed at Crowe's farm on the NSW north coast in the near future.
Weidler clarified that the previous reports of a fallout between Crowe and Burgess were off the mark.
Burgess did walk out on the club, but it was due to his concerns over the preferential treatment given to players like Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker by Demetriou.
Burgess felt that the lax standards at the club were compromising his values and decided to leave.
Crowe asked Burgess for his opinion on what was best for Souths moving forward, and Burgess believed it was in the team's best interest if he departed.
This revelation sheds new light on the situation and highlights the strong bond between Crowe and Burgess.
It also underscores the importance of values and standards in the world of rugby league, as Burgess stood firm in his convictions and made a difficult decision for the sake of the club he loves.