The top five NRL rivalries of the modern era

Since the inauguration of the National Rugby League in 1998, there have been plenty of memorable rivalries among players and clubs.

In the wake of Friday night’s latest instalment of the Broncos and Cowboys’ modern day rivalry, unbelievably settled by a solitary point yet again, let’s look back at the top five NRL rivalries of the past 18 years.

5. Bulldogs versus Eels
To borrow from Gus Gould, something always happens when these two teams play. With some disparity in their respective success during the NRL years, the Bulldogs and Eels have managed to keep their ‘classic’ rivalry relevant.

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From an Eels point of view, this is largely thanks to one Jarryd Hayne. At arguably the height of Hayne mania, the two Sydney clubs found themselves in a preliminary final in 2009. ANZ Stadium allocated one-half of the field for each set of fans with almost 75,000 attending, making it one of the most attended finals matches in NRL history. The Eels prevailed 22–12 to reach the grand final from eighth position.

In Round 20 the following year, when the Hayne train turned into the Hayne plane, the fullback turned in one of the greatest individual performances of the modern era. Hayne scored two tries and laid on a third for winger Krisnan Inu inside the first ten minutes, stunning the Bulldogs and everyone watching. His unbelievable try-saving tackle on David Stagg in the second half proved that he was the complete footballer.

Finally, who could forget the ‘grub’ incident between Nathan Hindmarsh and Michael Ennis? Ennis, who was in his ear for most of the night, finally got the long haired Hindmarsh to retaliate, who then turned on a ten cent coin and went after Ennis. In the famous post-match press conference, Hindmarsh labeled Ennis a ‘grub’ and added another chapter to the famous Eels-Bulldogs rivalry.

4. Rabbitohs versus Roosters
These two clubs are the quintessential rivals of the National Rugby League. The two foundation clubs share 34 Premierships, are local rivals, and share a deep-seeded hatred of one another.

However, with South Sydney’s exile and rebuilding phase in the early years of the NRL providing a stark contrast to the Roosters’ dominance during the same period, the rivalry took some time to reach it’s lofty heights in the new millennium. Aided by two superstars in particular – Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams – the old foes staged some unforgettable encounters between 2011-2014.

Arguably the two standouts came in 2012 where both teams plucked victories from the jaws of defeat. Firstly, in Round 1, the Bondi boys came from ten points down with two minutes remaining to win 24–20 thanks to an Anthony Minichiello try. Then, in Round 19 of the same year, the Redfern boys returned serve with a 24–22 win. This time, the Rabbits were down by ten inside the final two, before Adam Reynolds finished off an incredible team try in his rookie season.

Unfortunately, a grand final match up evaded the two sides with a preliminary final in 2014 the closest the Chooks and Bunnies came to a date in the big dance. Souths prevailed in that particular game (32–22) overcoming an early 12-0 deficit, with Ben Te’o dominating in a career-best performance.

3. St George Illawarra Dragons versus Sydney Roosters
It’s a special day on the Australian calendar, and these two proud clubs have made their Anzac Day clashes an enduring legacy. Since 2002, the Dragons and Roosters have battled it out on April 25 creating an atmosphere that is only second to State of Origin and finals football.

This can be largely attributed to the close finishes in so many of the matches (seven matches decided by four points or less), and memorable moments like Brad Fittler’s classic individual try in 2004, Mathew Head’s chip and chase, followed by a sideline conversion the following year, and Ben Creagh’s final second heroics in 2012.

Adding to their Anzac Day rivalry, the team with the big Red V ended their 31-year Premiership drought in 2010. The Dragons defeated the Roosters 32-8 on a rainy night at ANZ Stadium. Despite the final score line, the Roosters had lead 8–6 going into half time with the ascendency. Two early second half tries to Jason Nightingale put the result beyond doubt and the Dragons ground out a memorable win.

2. Manly Sea Eagles versus Melbourne Storm
Arguably the two best sides of the decade, the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles were a class above. When it came to playing each other, they somehow found another gear.

Unfortunately, when the two sides met in grand finals, the score lines were lopsided (34–8 in 2007 and 40-0 in 2008), although both matches provided plenty for the highlights reel. From that huge Greg Inglis fend to Michael Crocker taking out Brett Stewart and Steve Menzies scoring in his final NRL match.

However, it was their consistent high intensity and close finishes throughout their regular season clashes that gave foundation to their fierce rivalry.

Perhaps climaxing one cold Friday night at Brookvale Oval when all hell broke loose between the two sides. The ‘Battle at Brooky’ lead by Glenn Stewart and Adam Blair showed just how much these sides hated each other, still, after half a decade of shared competition dominance and three grand finals wins between them. It was Manly who took the points convincingly that wild Friday night in Brookvale (18-4), as well as the Premiership five weeks later.

1. Brisbane Broncos versus North Queensland Cowboys
The rivalry, of course, has its roots in the location of both clubs – Queensland. It’s a traditional local derby rivalry between two Queensland clubs (despite Brisbane being 400kms closer to Sydney than Townsville). The first significant clash between the two clubs was in 2004 at the then Dairy Farmers Stadium in front of 25,000 fans. In the Cowboys first ever home final, they defeated their big brother Brisbane 10–0 in what would be the final game for Gorden Tallis.

11 years later, after ups and downs for both clubs (despite their states representative dominance), they would meet in the greatest grand final of the modern era. 83 minutes of frenetic rugby league culminated in that field goal that not only secured the Cowboys their maiden NRL Premiership but assured Johnathan Thurston a role as a future immortal.

A gripping contest from start to finish, who could have predicted the final few minutes? After repelling wave after wave of attack, the Broncos only needed to make one more tackle to clinch the title as the siren roared around ANZ Stadium. Thurston finds the elusive Michael Morgan who somehow keeps the ball alive for Winger Kyle Feldt to casually put the ball down one-handed in the corner.

Thurston with the opportunity to seal a famous victory, from the sideline, after the siren, hits the post with a trademark curling conversion attempt. It’s pandemonium in Sydney. Ben Hunt drops the ball from the kickoff, and finally, JT slots the field goal to take the NRL trophy to Townsville for the first time.

In their first clash after their epic grand final, the two clubs were somehow able to live up to the hype and produce another classic. This time around, the points went in favour of the Broncos (21–20), thanks to an Anthony Milford field goal in the 85th minute.

In an incredibly absorbing contest for a Round 4 fixture, the two Queensland clubs showed why they’ll again be the teams to beat come late September.