Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles

Is the heated rivalry between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles destined to always be full of so much animosity and controversy?

Ever since the two teams first clashed in 1908, the feud between them has been filled with passion, hatred and violence. This is due, in no small part, to the class divide between the two clubs. South Sydney was traditionally seen as the working-class club, while Manly was seen as the bourgeois club. This naturally led to tension and animosity between the two sides.

The rivalry between the two clubs reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, when they were both consistently among the best teams in the competition. During this time, there were numerous brawls and incidents of violence between the two teams that led to them being labeled as the "hated rivals" of the NSWRL. Their famous 1982 brawl in the semi-finals was a most memorable moment of a spiteful era, but physical confrontations have been a feature in so many games between them.

In recent years, the rivalry between the two clubs has cooled somewhat. However, it still remains one of the most bitter in rugby league. For example, the infamous 2013 match where Manly's Steve Matai racially abused Rabbitohs' Greg Inglis was another dark moment. And in 2014, there was a mass brawl in the under-20s match between the two sides.

There are many reasons why the Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles rivalry is so heated. It is a rivalry that is based on class, geography, and history. It is a rivalry that has been fueled by violence and controversy. And it is a rivalry that is destined to continue for many years to come.

So, what is the future of the Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles rivalry? It is impossible to say for sure. However, one thing is for sure: it will continue to be one of the most passionate and intense rivalries in all of sport.

Do you have any thoughts on the Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles rivalry? Let us know in the comments below!