The Charity Shield is back for its 35th year of action! Here's seven cool things you maybe didn't know about the Charity Shield.
1) The Rabbitohs Are Better At Drawing
Since 1982, 33 games have been played with the Rabbitohs winning 12, the Dragons winning 16 and 5 draws taking place. The Rabbitohs have held the Shield going into each of the 5 draws which means we've kept the Shield 17 times to the Dragons 16.
These draws occured in 1990, 1991, 2002, 2010 and 2015.
2) The 9-7 Loss In 1982 Lit The Fuse
The first match in 1982 was won by the Dragons in 1982 - this lit the fuse for the fixture to be a very fiery annual clash.
"After the first game - the first half of the first game was very savage - you were there to prove a point," said former Rabbitohs prop Peter Tunks.
3) The 35th Anniversary Will Be The 34th Clash
Despite 2017 marking the 35th anniversary year since the first Charity Shield in 1982, this weekend will mark the 34th game played due to the Rabbitohs exclusion from the NRL in 2000 and 2001.
4) The Charity Shield Was Our First Match After Re-Entry
The 2002 Charity Shield holds great significance as it was the first encounter for Souths return to the NRL. The game finished in a 20-all draw with the Rabbitohs retaining the shield.
4.5) The 2002 Clash Was The First Time The Charity Shield Was Broadcast In The UK
Maybe the Burgess boys were watching?
5) Bryan Fletcher Used To Go To Redfern Oval To Watch It.
"I grew up with the Charity Shield - I used to go to Redfern Oval and actually watch it. When I was a kid it was always pretty full on - there was always going to be a stink in the game," Bryan Fletcher told Fox Sports.
"I think that's sort of carried on throughout the years. Coming from a South Sydney perspective, it is a pretty fair-dinkum game, because it is the last trial before the season kicks off. So I imagine it will be pretty intense and pretty physical."
6) The Most Points Scored In A Fixture Was 58
In 2014 we beat the Dragons in a frenzied game that saw the scores end at 38-20. What a day!
7) Roy Asotasi Loved Playing In Them
"It's definitely a fierce rivalry," said former captain Roy Asotasi.
"Obviously it's only a trial game but don't try telling that to any South Sydney or St. George supporter because they take it pretty seriously.
"I know how important it is, I've been involved in about seven of them, it's a good experience for any player. It's the perfect game to set the rest of the season."
"It's definitely a fierce rivalry," said Asotasi
"Obviously it's only a trial game but don't try telling that to any South Sydney or St. George supporter because they take it pretty seriously.
I know how important it is, I've been involved in about seven of them, it's a good experience for any player. It's the perfect game to set the rest of the season."
"It's definitely a fierce rivalry," said Asotasi
"Obviously it's only a trial game but don't try telling that to any South Sydney or St. George supporter because they take it pretty seriously.
I know how important it is, I've been involved in about seven of them, it's a good experience for any player. It's the perfect game to set the rest of the season."
"It's definitely a fierce rivalry," said Asotasi
"Obviously it's only a trial game but don't try telling that to any South Sydney or St. George supporter because they take it pretty seriously.
I know how important it is, I've been involved in about seven of them, it's a good experience for any player. It's the perfect game to set the rest of the season."
"It's definitely a fierce rivalry," said Asotasi
"Obviously it's only a trial game but don't try telling that to any South Sydney or St. George supporter because they take it pretty seriously.
I know how important it is, I've been involved in about seven of them, it's a good experience for any player. It's the perfect game to set the rest of the season."
