Hollywood star Russell Crowe is keeping a close eye on the American National Rugby League playoffs and seems to have more than just a passing interest in them. In a recent Twitter exchange with AMNRL chief David Niu, when told that the Bulls would be traveling to Jacksonville to face the Axemen, Crowe tweeted; “Go the Axemen!!”

You can read the full story at www.americanrugbynews.com

Of course the feeling among the Axemen players after hearing about the well wishes was one of amazement and a little flattered but they also feel a little pressure now too.

"This was the guy who played James Braddock", said one of the players. "Not really the time to go an let someone down by not winning is it?"

"He is an academy award winner and he is putting his support behind us. Pretty sure this is the only time we will be on a team that gets a shout-out from anyone that famous", was the common responce from the playing core.

And for the record the South Sydney Rabbitohs who are co-owned by Russell Crowe and also on target to make the playoffs in the Australian National Rugby League - you can follow them at www.rabbitohs.com.au