Player goes public on that famous Russell Crowe Playboy mansion offer

Russell Crowe celebrates the Rabbitohs winning the 2014 NRL Grand Final. Photo / Getty

Russell Crowe used his Hollywood star status to offer South Sydney players an unusual win bonus - a trip to the Playboy Mansion.

Former Rabbitoh Jason Death - who also played for the Warriors - has revealed the Kiwi actor made the promise before their opening match against the Sydney Roosters in 2002.

Death told the Daily Telegraph: "Russell gave us a speech before the game and he said, 'if you guys win a premiership, I'll take you to the Big House'."

The Bunnies flopped like rabbits ears in 2002, finishing second last with just five wins. The timing of Crowe's offer was also a flop - Souths were smashed 40 - 8 in that opening game.

The Warriors topped the ladder in 2002, and were beaten by the Roosters in the grand final.

There have been rumours about Crowe's incentive offer for many years, but a lack of confirmation. As the story went until now, Crowe said he would organise a Playboy party for the players if they made the top eight finals.

Three years ago, former prop Paul Stringer told the Telegraph: "I don't think it ever came out of Russell's mouth...it may have come out of some coaching staff's mouth that Russell had said it but I don't think it ever came out of Russell's mouth."

Meanwhile the 2002 coach Craig Coleman said: "It's one of the great stories, people just like to believe it."

Former Aucklander Crowe is a passionate Souths fan and a long time backer - he bought 75 per cent of the club with Peter Holmes à Court in 2006.