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Opinion
Newcastle versus Manly has been an intense rivalry from the moment it began in the mid ’90s.
The rivalry eminated from Paul Harragon versus Mark Carroll, ricocheted to their respective teams in the mid ’90s, and as the years went on, more chapters were added to their feud.
I may sound like a biased Knights fan by saying this but I still stand with the fact that Newcastle versus Manly is the most intense rivalry in the NRL.
We have seen everything: Newcastle snatching the 1997 ARL grand final right under Manly’s nose, Newcastle with two golden-point wins against Manly at home, Manly’s home being Newcastle’s bogey spot with only four wins, and most recently Manly thumping Newcastle at Marathon.
These two teams have exchanged close wins, as well as thumping each other. There is intense hatred and so much intensity.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
I was in attendance on Thursday and I won’t deny some Manly fans were giving it to me after the match.
I’m not complaining at all. If anything, it was pretty damn funny. I laughed and I even shook hands with a few, saying “good game”.
I even said to them, “Shame for you guys this wasn’t the case in the 1997 grand final”.
And we just kept laughing. Healthy banter is a very good part of attending footy games and even life in general.
I would say State of Origin definitely was giving Newcastle versus Manly a run for its money but not so much now since they banned the biff.
I do respect the no-fighting rule but to me, State of Origin has lost its spark since the rule has been introduced.
As the years have gone on, the 1997 grand final-winning try still has to be talked about in legendary status with everything from Andrew Johns, who was putting his life on the line to play.
He was tackling like a forward. He had a hand in all three of Newcastle’s tries including the one that mattered for Darren Albert. There was his outstanding defensive game.
Manly were never behind in the game – until Darren Albert scored the match winner.
And one thing that rarely gets mentioned is the fact Billy Peden, who pretty much cemented his spot in 1997 as a second rower/lock forward, played 72 minutes from dummy half.
So Roarers, what do you think? Is Newcastle versus Manly the biggest rivalry?
If not, who and why?
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