Football competitions like to have their own origin-based rivalry. Most notably, State of Origin in the NRL, England versus the Exiles has been successfully brought back to the English Super League, and AFL fans continue to muse over possibilities. Could anything work for Sydney Premier Rugby?
Perhaps they could bring back the North Harbour versus South Harbour fixture.
It’s possibly the only concept that could work for Sydney Rugby.
You could do Eastern Suburbs versus North Shore, but it would look too snobbish and further make rugby look like an exclusive “latte sippers” sport, East versus West could be tried, but it wouldn’t be competitive and excludes too many players.
I know that Sydney versus Country was just played, but it doesn’t exactly stir much interest or rivalry.
Perhaps, the same could be said for North Harbour versus South Harbour, as it is possible there isn’t enough pre-existing tensions or rivalry between fans on the south harbour towards fans in the north or vice versa.
In addition, Sydney Rugby Union hardly has the money to manufacture a rivalry through beautiful hype-videos like other major competitions.
The greatest confidence that could be had for the fixture would be a competitive score-line, there is more than enough talent for both teams to choose from and should result in a great match of rugby.
When news came out that Sydney Rugby Union would take control of the Shute Shield, it was mentioned that a return of the North Harbour versus South Harbour might be on the cards. Could it be actually worth a try?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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