Although the Manly/Dogs, Sharks/Dragons, Broncos/Titans rivalries, and there are plenty of others, have plenty of history and venom behind them, make absolutely no mistake about it, league’s biggest rivalry is between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters.
This Friday night the latest chapter in this heated rivalry will be written as two of the NRL’s foundation clubs battle it out for a shot in this season’s decider.
There will be a massive crowd on hand for this one, I’d say even 60,000 plus is within reason. Anything less than 50,000 would be an embarrassment to both sets of fans, and the game.
I don’t support either side, but I am excited for this clash.
Even if the game completely fizzles and fails to live up to even the lowest of expectations, the battle on social media, and in the stands, will be well worth the price of admission.
As a fan of neither side, I simply do not understand the depth of the rivalry.
Already this week I have seen friends completely turn on friends based on their footy side.
Normal, down to Earth people, have taken to social media to show their utter disdain for opposition players and fans.
I’m not sure how much of it is genuine dislike for the other side, and how much is just enjoying the banter in the build up, but everyone I have spoken to has said they ‘hate’ the opposition and their fans.
This is a rivalry beyond anything I have ever experienced. Don’t get me wrong, I have teams I enjoy seeing succeed far less than other sides, but I don’t think I’ve ever genuinely hated another side.
Last season I went to the final round game between these two sides at ANZ Stadium. I sat with a group of people who were there simply to enjoy the rivalry and sense of occasion.
What is it about Sonny Bill Williams that has Rabbitohs fans booing until their throats are sore?
What is it about Sam Burgess that has Roosters fans struggling not to lose their lunch?
My best guess is it simply comes down to the jersey they wear.
There are some brilliant rivalries in other sports in this nation. Collingwood have multiple heated rivalries, the Wanderers and Sydney FC have created something special in their short time in opposition, but the Rabbitohs vs Roosters rivalry is the jewel in the Aussie sporting rivalry crown.
Semi final Sid
Guest
Appreciate the rivalry, but i think it has more to do with location that jerseys. Also disagree that its the biggest in the NRL; these clubs have rarely played in big end of season games over the last 60 years in comparison to other clubs!
KIwiBear
Guest
@ Mals Thats rubbish! Fact! The Bears may have been financially troubled but so were MW and who knows how many other clubs. The Bears had just developed Graeme Park in Gosford if they been left in they would of flourished. And as for "they brought it on themselves", NO wrong! There was one Mr Arthurson who had a plan to reduce the no of clubs in Sydney even before the Super League wars broke out. Then conveniently as a power broker in the game found a way to throw Norths under the bus while ensuring MW survived.
KIwiBear
Guest
@ Epiquin. Amen to that if you have red and black in your blood then no other rivalry can come close to the feeling that those from MW bring out. And believe it or not I used to support them 2nd to the Bears back when Lowe coached and there were so many Kiwis playing for them but then you had that particular history and that was that...
roosters14
Guest
I resent any a-league "derby" being mentioned in the same breath as 100 plus year old rivalries like souths v easts and Collingwood no Carlton. Plastic v history no contest My top 5 rugby league rivalries are in no particular order. Souths v easts, hull fc v hull kr, nsw v Queensland, wigan v St Helens, dragons v sharks Go the roosters! !
Mals
Guest
No, the Bears were insolvent so they brought their demise upon themselves.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Benny Should be a great gamer mate. The Roosters won the WCC so they were "race fit" come round 1.
Dylan
Roar Pro
And we hate you too. Go the Chookies
Dylan
Roar Pro
Agreed that there are bigger rivalries, but they did break the attandance record last year in Round 26. And they might break a record again this week. Its no origin but it is massive.
harry Wells
Guest
Manly vrs Wests - oh hang on....
planko
Guest
Quote of the Day "Manly Turfed the Bears out"..... N(EWS)RL turffed the Bears out.
planko
Guest
It think the NRL is trying to Milk this game. I went on Ticketek when someone told me that the worst tickets in the house were going for 30 dollars. In reality a seat where you can see the players as actual human starts at 45. I have not now watched 3 games at ANZ and the only seat I have watched and been happy was when a ANZ member invited me. Even most the category A tickets have you a long way from the action.
Alan
Roar Guru
They are expecting 50,000 for this game. Far less than what I expected...
The Barry
Guest
Souths must be doing well...Ray Martin has dusted off his scarf.
The Barry
Guest
Souths must be doing well...Ray Martin has dusted off his scarf.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Don't forget Hull v Hull KR
Renegade
Guest
haha :) too good!
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Raidrers must be lovers not haters :)
Muzz
Guest
Cheers MAX, Good to luck to you too mate.
Epiquin
Guest
Biggest rivalry in Rugby League is Johnno vs anything after 1989.
Epiquin
Guest
At least Illawarra is still represented in some respect. But I see your point.