Australian tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has become a co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Atlassian co-founder has entered the ownership ranks after previous co-owners Russell Crowe and James Packer reduced their stakes to 25 per cent each, with Cannon-Brookes now owning a quarter of his own with the rest held by members.
Crowe and Cannon-Brookes have reportedly held talks for more than a year about purchasing a stake in the club and The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio thinks it’s a “significant” get for the game.
“This is significant, I don’t think rugby league fans should underestimate it,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s not a massive off-season signing as far as a player is concerned, but it is a major signing for the game and certainly South Sydney.
“This is huge kudos to the Bunnies and certainly rugby league, it shows that people have faith in the game.
“Tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brooks, he’s signed on as a co-owner of the Bunnies and he’ll go thirds as far as ownership is concerned.
“He’s also a minority owner of the Utah Jazz in the NBA, as I’ve said I just think this is a huge plus for the game.
“For South Sydney, it’s almost as if Christmas has come early.
“Well done South Sydney, it’s a great win for the game.”
Crowe told the Sydney Morning Herald that Cannon-Brookes’ addition as an owner will help “connect the club to the front edge of emerging technologies and business”.
The trio of owners will hope to bring the clubs to even greater heights in 2022 after falling just short of a premiership last season.
Photo: The Australian