LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Bummer news at South Sydney as Russell Crowe's reign as the club's fearless leader has hit a rough patch.
The recent coaching saga has revealed some cracks in the armor of the Rabbitohs.
Reports from news.com.au have painted a grim picture of Crowe's downfall at the club he once ruled like a gladiator.
The Hollywood star's influence at the football club has taken a hit, with former coach Jason Demetriou getting the boot in a surprising turn of events.
It all came to a head on Tuesday night when it emerged that Crowe, who holds a reduced 25% stake in the NRL club, had fired off a text to Demetriou just hours before a crucial board meeting.
The meeting ended with Demetriou getting the axe and assistant coach Ben Hornby stepping up to the plate in an interim role.
According to the SMH, Crowe had reassured Demetriou with a promise to have his back, only for the senior coach to find himself out of a job in a matter of hours.
The messy situation that played out on Tuesday, with not one but two board meetings needed to make a decision, is a clear indication of the power struggle brewing within the club.
It's a tough time for the Rabbitohs as they navigate this storm, but as they say in the game of rugby league, it's all about how you bounce back from a setback.
Here's hoping they can rally together and rise from the ashes like true champions.