Sam Burgess says he’d love to repay South Sydney co-owner and good mate Russell Crowe with the NRL club’s first premiership in 43 years.

But the Hollywood star isn’t the only one to whom he feels indebted.

It was Crowe who convinced the English enforcer to join the Rabbitohs on an initial four-year deal in 2010.

It was also Crowe that decided to release Burgess at season’s end so he could return home and join rugby union club Bath.

The actor has been a huge supporter of the Redfern-based outfit – both before and after their official return to the NRL in 2002.

Since buying a 37.5 per cent stake in 2005, Crowe has helped secure millions of sponsorship dollars and generated mass interest in the game both at home and abroad.

Burgess said he and Crowe were “good mates” and had chatted briefly via text messages since last Friday’s preliminary final win over the Sydney Roosters.

“We’ve both been pretty busy, but he’s been in touch,” Burgess said on Monday.

“He’s a normal bloke and I’m a normal fella.

“I’d love to be part of the team that won the premiership while Russell was still in ownership of the club.

“Not only for Russell, there’s hundreds of people I can name.

“For the team, the whole squad of 30, it’d be a great achievement.”

Crowe has enjoyed a close relationship with the Burgess clan in recent years, having signed Sam’s brothers George, Luke and Thomas and befriended their mother Julie who now lives in Sydney.

“We’re totally grateful for everything the club’s given us,” Burgess said.

“The opportunities over the years have been nothing short of unbelievable really.

“Mum’s had a great time and we’ve all really been made welcome and made at home in Australia. It’s been a cracking experience and a cracking five years for me.

“I’m sure it’ll continue for the rest of the family after this week.”