I love watching Bulldogs v Tigers matches. In the past, they were renowned for being extremely physical, tough games played out by two passionate Western Sydney rivals.
But since 2009, they are notable for showcasing an intense rivalry between two bitter opponents. Perhaps even, the greatest player rivalry that exists in the NRL today.
Of course, I am referring to Michael Ennis and Robbie Farah.
Both men have a lot in common. They play the same position, are both captains of their respective teams and share similar accolades.
Yet, their hatred for one-another is so great that they can’t bring themselves to mention each others’ names in televised interviews. Prior to Round 1 2011, when Robbie was asked by Warren Smith about his thoughts of clashing head-on with Michael Ennis, he coyly replied “Mick who?”
When the two are on the field, their hatred becomes readily apparent. Both stand off at opposing sides of the ruck, unloading verbal pot-shots across the play-the-ball.
If one decides to take a scoot from dummy half, you can always bet that the other will be there to make the tackle.
Whenever a scrum is packed, you can see the look of detest on their faces as they lock in. I’m sure some really nice things are said while they’re in this position.
Michael and Robbie’s reasons for despising each-other run deep into their careers. After the departure of Danny Buderus from State of Origin at the close of the 2008 series, New South Wales began searching for a replacement hooker.
All of a sudden, the Bulldogs v Tigers games became an Origin audition for Michael and Robbie. The two have been battling each other for the coveted role ever since.
Robbie scored first points against Mick by being selected for the first two matches of the ’09 Series. But due to a poor showing he was soon replaced by Ennis for game three, who performed well in a Blues victory.
However, Michael was at the forefront of a Blue’s whitewash the following year. He was heavily criticised for his poor service from dummy-half and for often giving away penalties when the Blue’s least needed him to.
Some even called for him never to play Origin again.
Despite this, he was picked for all three matches of the 2011 series, but again didn’t play a significant role in any of the games.
Why their rivalry has remained so heated over the years, I’m guessing, is due to the fact that neither player has been able to cement the role of Blue’s hooker. Every year they feel as though they are an even chance to earn the jersey.
That’s probably why, in the Queensland circle, no-one has such a torrid relationship with Cameron Smith. All other eligible hookers understand that as long as he is fit and playing, they have no chance of being the Maroons’ No. 9.
This fact is reinforced by Ricky Stuart’s admission last year that Danny Buderus was his first choice for Blues hooker. Ricky believed that a 34 year-old veteran would perform better than either Michael or Robbie.
At least this admission proved to be more of a slap in the face for Robbie than any of Ennis’ sledges.
Robbie has lifted his game immensely since this time and is now the clear choice for Laurie Daley as the Blues hooker.
Statistically, Ennis is no-where near Farah at the moment. However, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that if Mick completely dominates Robbie on Friday and plays out of his skin for the next month that he could be the one walking out onto ANZ for game one as the Blues No.9.
While this is unlikely, Mick will believe he is still a chance.
Although Robbie is the incumbent and Michael’s form hasn’t been great, neither one will be willing to bury the hatchet and I expect fireworks this Friday night in what is surely the most fervent contest between two players going around in league these days.
catcat
Guest
I thought the issue was selectors thought Robbie was too small for origin and would get bashed about...but he has more than proved that wrong so now no chance for Ennis unless Robbie is injured. I think Robbie got that No. 9 jersey to question now.
Naught
Guest
I am a Dogs fan and easily concede that Farah is much better than Ennis in origin, regular games and everywhere else... except in the media. Robbie goes a little bit Soward and takes everything too personally.
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
James, the point I am making is that both Ennis and Farah had poor performances at Origin level before last years series. That's why their rivalry is so fierce because they thought as though they were even chances of earning the jersey until last year.
james
Guest
Ennis is no where near and has never been anywhere near the player that Farah is. the old 'ennis is made for origin' argument got Ennis a few blues jersey's. Laurie has stated the Blues team has already been selected, if Ennis has been picked for any role(including waterboy) in the NSW's steam then the blues are in for a world of pain.
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
Good Morning Scott. I was pointing out the fact that before last years series, neither Robbie or Micheal had cemented the Blue's No. 9 position. People from NSW before Origin One last year were claiming that Farah wasn't up to Origin standard. Since he was selected for that game, however, his performances in Origin and at club level have gone to another level and is now the clear pick for the position. He proved those doubters wrong and he is now a true representative player. So I don't know where your thoughts of me preferencing Ennis over Farah are coming from. I said that his form is far superior to Ennis's. I am merely stating that the two are rivals and even though Farah is by far and wide the best hooker NSW have at the moment, this won't matter to Ennis and he will still battle Farah as intensely as ever in a bid to reclaim the jersey, even if it seems like an exercise in futility. Also, I need to correct you here as well. It's impossible for anyone to outplay Cameron Smith. He is the best hooker in the rugby league world and will continue to be until his retirement. As Matty Johns says, the man can roll a cigar and eat a ham sandwich whilst playing in the most intense football matches in the world. If Cameron Smith were to break both his legs during an Origin game this year, he'd play out the remainder of the match in a wheelchair and still beat Farah and NSW. Farah can try his best, but attempting to outplay Cameron Smith is a true exercise in futility.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Elijah Mate what do you mean "Robbie has lifted his game". Farah was THE best player during last years origin and did the "impossible" and outplayed the great Cam Smith in all three games. His form this year has continued to be supreme and should be the first player chosen. Ennis will have a win over him tonight on the score board but he is not in the same class and there would be 300k difference between them both on an open market. Ennis only got the job in Origin in the first place because Ricky Stuart has little idea and Ennis was just one of many selection stuff ups that he made for hooker that included Gidley, Dean Young and had Buderus been fit last year, he would have got in before Farah. Finally NSW got the right guy and he will stay there for many years.