What would rugby be without rivalries? Think of international rugby: Would things be as entertaining if New Zealand and Australia weren’t such rivals?
While international rugby rivals make the sport exciting, the National Rugby League in Australia has some pretty exciting rivalries that have developed by themselves over the years.
Some of these continuously offer fans and punters something to get excited about as the games draw near. Here are some of the top rivalries in the NRL.
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Canterbury Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels
In the late 1970s, the Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels rose to prominence, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the following years. Having both fought for the team of the decade in the 1980s, each team won four titles and played in two classic grand finals, giving fans matches to remember.
However, following the 90s to 2000s, the rivalry between the Eels and Bulldogs rose to new levels as the big-spending Eels recruited players from the Bulldogs’ ranks, having a significant impact on their team and acting as the source of their distaste for each other today.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters
These Sydney neighboring teams have one of the most hectic rivalries in the league, with both teams showing much distaste and animosity towards the other. There are many reasons why these two teams don’t see eye to eye, from contrasting financial differences to issues regarding player poaching, class differences, junior territories, and boundaries.
Nowadays, this rivalry stirs such passion in teams that it almost always produces a must-see game. Matches with these two teams are often a hot spot for punters testing out their NRL predictions, and they often fetch the same prices as main event billings.
Balmain Tigers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Any avid NRL fan would have heard the story of the forfeited final in 1909 by the Balmain Tigers. This sparked a grudge between these two teams, lasting over a century later, but the rivalry is still alive. Both teams have improved dramatically since then, with the South becoming one of the most successful teams in NRL history.
At the same time, the Tigers crafted incredible scores against other teams, specifically the Rabbitohs. In the 1980s, the teams solidified their rivalry with a string of finals that kept their flame and competitive drive alive.
Western Suburb Magpies vs Manly Sea Eagles
Over most of their existence, the Western Suburb Magpies and Manly Sea Eagles have had a healthy rivalry. However, following the “Fibros” vs. “Silvertails” feud in the late 1970s, conflict broke out between the teams over a perceived class gap.
Much hostility developed between the teams. Manly poaching of players like Les Boyd, John Dorahy, and Ray Brown didn’t make things any better, either.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Dragons
The South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Dragons are some of the most successful clubs in the NRL. Their rivalry is based on their regular post-season games and classic grand finals matches.
Over the years, these teams went back and forth, with the Saints having a fantastic winning streak in the 50s and 60s, only to be ended by the Rabbitohs afterward.
The Saints won a noticeable victory in 1965 when they won their 10th premiership against South Sydney. In 1971, the rivalry continued, with the Rabbitohs taking their 5th title by beating the Saints.
While their rivalry was largely sportsman-like, the Charity Shield in the 1980s seemed to stir up more competition between the teams, causing the rivalry to go deeper.
St George Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks
Another fierce rivalry between neighbors, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Dragons have their home ground about 10 km from one another. These teams attract record-breaking crowds and often have amazing showdowns when they play.
The Dragons found their rise to fame fairly early, especially in the 50s and 60s. In 1973, the Sharks had a historic win which seemed to square the ledger with the Dragons.
One act that demonstrates the degree of rivalry between these two teams is when the chairman of the Sharks, Peter Gow, cut a Saints supporters jersey in half, showing that the rivalry had extended off the field.
Each year, we see these teams face off, with every game being just as exciting as the first. Some of these rivalries extend well into the past, creating tension and aggression in teams facing one another.
For us, this tension creates a more exciting game. Be sure to make the rival games for an action-packed rugby game that you won’t soon forget.
