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South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe's plan to lure Greg Inglis to Redfern
Exclusive by James Phelps and Josh Massoud
July 28, 2010 12:00AM
SOUTH Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe plans to wine and dine Greg Inglis next week in a lavish bid to lure the superstar to Redfern in 2011.
In what shapes as the Oscar winner's toughest sell since taking a hands-on role in the Rabbitohs' recruitment, Crowe wants to personally charm Inglis into continuing his career in Sydney rather than Queensland.
With the Broncos and Titans thought to be in a two-horse race for the Test star's signature, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Gladiator is attempting to sneak under their guards by inviting Inglis to a private meeting during the next week. Having already used his Hollywood appeal to sign Roy Asotasi and Sam Burgess, Crowe is now writing the script for what would be Souths' greatest recruitment coup.
"He wants him bad," a source close to Inglis said. "I'm not sure if it will happen but Russell will do what he can to get him there."
It's understood Crowe contacted Inglis earlier this week through a mutual friend.
The 2007 Clive Churchill Medal winner was told of Crowe's desire to sign him for 2011 before asking him to meet with the award-winning actor. It's also believed Inglis's manager Allan Gainey has been informed of the Rabbitohs' interest in the 23-year-old, who will be the highest-profile victim of the Storm's salary cap scandal.
Gainey did not respond to calls last night, nor did Souths CEO Shane Richardson. Crowe didn't respond to an email request for comment while his manager Grant Vandenberg denied knowledge of the Inglis talks.
"One of Crowe's people called Greg and told him that Russell was keen to get him to the Rabbitohs," the source said.
"I think Greg said he didn't like Sydney but would catch up with Russell to see what he had to say. I think Crowe was also going to personally call him."
Even with Crowe's pulling power, Souths are still long odds to secure Inglis over the Broncos or Titans.
Inglis has no desire to live in Sydney and wants to live alongside his fiancee Sally Robinson, who has taken a job in Brisbane.
Another influence forcing him to Queensland is the fact his parents are planning to move back to the family's home in Macksville, on the NSW North Coast.
The Broncos have been in talks with Gainey for more than a month and have tabled an offer believed to be worth more than $500,000 with third-party deals and marquee payments.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225897754888
