Russell Crowe to sell stake in South Sydney

Hollywood star Russell Crowe is reportedly set to sell his stake in NRL club South Sydney at the end of the 2013 season.

According to the Nine Network, Crowe - who along with businessman Peter Holmes a Court assumed ownership of the Rabbitohs in a messy takeover in 2006 - is attempting to simplify his life by getting out of the club.

Crowe’s recent split from wife Danielle Spencer is believed to be part of the reasoning.

"From what I can understand, Russell is just trying to simplify his life," rugby league journalist Danny Weidler told Sydney radio station 2UE.

"As you know, he has been through a lot recently in his personal life, and I would say that is ... a part of his reasoning."

There has been no official comment from either Crowe or the club.

Together, Crowe and Holmes a Court hold a 75 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs, with some estimates claiming the pair have poured in $11 million into the club.

Crowe has been credited with helping revive the Rabbitohs after several years of poor performances following their readmittance to the competition in 2002.

Last season the Rabbitohs enjoyed their best season since re-admission when they reached the preliminary final, where there lost 32-8 to Canterbury.

"They are one of the sexiest clubs in rugby league," Weidler said.

"People like to play for South Sydney. They have got an image about them.

"That's due to Russell Crowe."