Troubles deepen in Rabbitohs territory

South Sydney Rabbitohs' problems reached crisis point yesterday with co-owner Peter Holmes a Court being dumped as chairman by partner Russell Crowe.

Crowe sensationally replaced Holmes a Court with Nick Pappas returning as Souths chairman following a board meeting yesterday. Pappas was appointed following two weeks of feuding between Crowe and Holmes a Court with the two co-owners of the club reportedly no longer on speaking terms.

Pappas will be joined by CEO Shane Richardson who himself stood down just seven months ago because he didn't feel he could run the club as a business. Media reports in 2006 had both Pappas and Richardson urging Rabbitohs members to back the original Crowe-Holmes a Court bid, citing fears the club would go broke and perish unless it was privatised.

But last week, Holmes a Court publicly warned he could not guarantee the club's survival following a $4.2 million loss in 2006/07. It is understood the comments further angered Crowe who was already at odds over a number of decisions made by Holmes a Court.

Meanwhile, amidst fears that his job as head coach is on the line, Jason Taylor was greeted with the news that premiership-winning coach John Lang has been brought in as football consultant to aid the struggling Rabbitohs on the field.

South Sydney are positioned last on the National Rugby League ladder with just one win in 10 games.