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Souths flying by the seat - Australian Rugby league News
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globalrugbyleague - Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:02:00 GMT
SOUTHS FLYING BY THE SEAT
South Sydney owners Peter Holmes a' Court and Russell Crowe have pulled another rabbit out of a hat, securing a historic two-year sponsorship deal with Virgin Blue.
In front of a packed media scrum at Sydney’s domestic terminal, the seven-figure deal was officially signed and sealed, kicking off what is hoped will be a beautiful corporate friendship.
As part of the package, Virgin Blue will become the Rabbitohs’ new training partner.
While the airliner has been involved in sports sponsorship with both Rugby Union and Basketball, it had never been associated with Rugby League until now.
That fact was most pleasing to Rabbitohs’ Executive Chairman, Peter Holmes à Court.
“The fact that Virgin Blue have elected to join our corporate partnership family shows that there is growing confidence in the business community that the Rabbitohs are entering a very bright new era both on and off the field,” Mr Holmes à Court said.
Virgin Blue CEO and Founder Brett Godfrey said:
“Virgin Blue and the South Sydney Football Club are a perfect fit in that we both have strong character and culture, are both passionate, competitive players and while we are serious about our business, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
One thing both parties are serious about is seeing the Rabbitohs’ fly up the NRL ladder in 2007 and this latest deal can only exert greater confidence amongst club fanatics.
There is now more money in the club kitty and a perhaps there is now one more reason to
believe that South’s may finally have turned the corner even before a ball has been kicked.
Faith it seems does not need to be bought. It’s sprinkling down all by itself.
With formal proceedings out of the way, Holmes a’ Court and his Hollywood mate then continued to offer more surprises.

Crowe –heading towards the runway for more photo opportunities – surprised a group of passengers arriving out of the gate, handing out free Rabbitohs’ hats and flags.
A good promotional tactic coming from an invaluable man whom South Sydney is fortunate to have coaching them off the field.
It’s not everyday a millionaire actor who owns a football club is waiting around the corner, ready to hand out baseball caps and flags to members of the public, so the stunt yielded attention.
Nor could it be said that it is common to see Russell Crowe practicing his passing game with pilots seated in the cockpit.
But then again the dynamic duo of Crowe and Holmes A’ Court, who now own 75% of shares in the football club since last March, don’t want this year to be like any other.
Understand the history of the club since it’s re-admission into the NRL in 2002 and you’ll know why.
Out with the old and in with the new. The new sponsors, players and results. All of these elements must come together for the team to reach it’s dream in 2007.
The club has come too far for the results not be forthcoming.
The new corporate partnership should also add some spice to Round 11 when the Virgin Blue Rabbitohs tackle the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans at Carrara Stadium. - Read More, Here