SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Packer and Crowe waive massive Souths debt

South Sydney owners Russell Crowe and James Packer have waived a $7 million debt to the club, putting in its strongest ever financial position.

3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

South Sydney owners Russell Crowe and James Packer have given the NRL club a massive financial boost, waiving a $7 million debt.

The announcement that the two glamour owners had forgiven the investor loan was made at the South Sydney Members District Rugby League Football Club annual general meeting on Sunday.

The decision by Hollywood heavyweight Crowe and business mogul Packer removed a massive strain on Souths' finances, with chairman Nick Pappas saying the cardinal and myrtle were now in their best ever financial position.

As a result, it gave the club a net asset position of over $6 million and much-needed financial security.

"Our two private investors have graciously agreed to the complete discharge of their loan facilities on the most favourable terms for members," Pappas said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"This has had the effect of skyrocketing our net asset position to a record $6.05 million, the healthiest position the Rabbitohs have ever been in.

"I know I speak on behalf of all members when I say that our appreciation goes out to our investors Russell Crowe and James Packer for helping to ensure that the Rabbitohs remain at the very forefront of our code."

Packer bought a 37.5 per cent stake in the foundation club from businessman Peter Holmes a Court in 2014, less than a month after the club broke its premiership drought.

Holmes a Court and Crowe bought the struggling club for $3 million in 2005 and also tipped in a further $6.15 million in the following years.

When Holmes a Court exited the club, his debt was paid out.

However the loan has now been cleared and the club looks set to post another bumper profit.

Last year Souths posted a $1.5 million profit, the biggest of any NRL club.

They were also one of three clubs, along with the Broncos and Warriors, to be in the black.

Most of Souths' profit last year was derived from their massive membership base and going into the new season they have signed by more than 29,000 members, more than any other club.

Meanwhile, Pappas and Nikolas Hatzistergos were retained as the members' representatives on the Souths board.

Also television personality Ray Martin and former Souths player and coach Darryl Neville were given life memberships.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world