Rivalry? More like century old grudge
FORGET Brisbane v North Queensland, Parramatta v Penrith or Saints v Cronulla.
“Souths, Roosters … it’s the greatest rivalry in rugby league history,” Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis said.
“Nothing will ever change from that. It goes back to 1908.”
The old foes come together again tonight at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Over 216 games and 108 years, the Rabbitohs have won 112 matches and the Roosters 99, with five draws. Tonight’s match will bring together a host of superstars in the Sydney eastern suburbs grudge match.
“It’s a great clash and I’m pretty sure it’s a match both clubs circle at the start of each season,” Inglis said.
“The Ron Coote Cup is up for grabs. He was a great player for our club and the history he has left here has been amazing.
“It’s also (five-eighth) Cody Walker’s 50th NRL match and (forward) Jason Clark’s 150th. It will be a big occasion for us.”
Souths fans have long disliked Roosters supporters, and vice-versa.
Inglis said he could feel the tension between each club’s fan base on the streets.
“You can feel it each and every week,” Inglis said. “You walk around the streets and it comes back to bragging rights around the eastern suburbs.”
Roosters recruit James Tedesco has made a strong start to season 2018.
He is already engaged in a titanic battle with Manly’s Tom Trbojevic for the NSW fullback spot.
“Teddy is finding his feet at the Roosters, it’s a new club,” Inglis said. “You can’t rule out a player of his calibre. He is exceptional and has been getting the Chooks on the front foot from the back. “He hasn’t lost any speed. “He is still young and can be around for another 10 years if he stays injury-free.”
Inglis will also confront “Little GI” – Roosters star Latrell Mitchell – although the two players will be on different sides of the field.
“We have been sending text messages back and forth during the week,” Inglis said. “It was a little bit of banter.
“But it was more of a catch-up. Latrell shows respect, that’s just Latrell.
“The Roosters are tracking along nicely, they got a good win last weekend at Shark Park.
They will be coming with confidence. We just have to turn up and be ready for what they throw at us.”