It's back! The classic Round 1 matchup between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters has returned.
Since 2002 the Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters have fought 13 times in the opening round of the season.
Now after a two-year hiatus, the Round 1 tradition has been reignited and the 2019 showdown could be the biggest one yet!
With the return of this epic opener, we decided to take look back at five of the best opening Round 1 wins against the tri-colours with score margin, performance and specialness of the win, all coming into play when deciding this list.
5. 2016 RABBITOHS 42-10 ROOSTERS
The last time the two historic Clubs met in Round 1 was back in 2016, where the Rabbitohs came out on top in a thumping 42-10 triumph.
Eight different players got on the score sheet for the Rabbitohs as the men from South Sydney put on an attacking clinic, leading the Roosters by a massive 26 point margin at half-time.
The Rabbitohs wouldn't slow down there though, running in another three tries to wrap up a perfect performance.
Whilst the win was one of Souths' most impressive against the tri colours, it comes in at number five due to some key personnel who were absent for the Roosters after a difficult pre-season in the East of Sydney.
Nonetheless, the win still looks very nice in the history books.
4. 2013 RABBITOHS 28-10 ROOSTERES
Another Rabbitohs v Roosters matchup, another convincing win from the Red and Green.
Coming in at number four is the Rabbitohs' 2013 28-10 win, which featured a common South Sydney practice, a Nathan Merritt try-fest.
The mercurial winger was at his best as he burnt the Roosters right side defence with raw pace, adding another hat-trick of tries to his outstanding collection.
If you don't believe us just check it out above.
3. 2007 RABBITOHS 18-6 ROOSTERS
The new era at South Sydney started off with a bang in 2007 as the Club finally broke a five year Round 1 drought with a strong 18-6 win over the 'Chooks'.
Returning to the comp in 2002, the Rabbitohs suffered some big losses against the Roosters (and once against the Bulldogs) but it was worth the wait for those who bled Red and Green as the team finally triumphed in 2007.
Two tries from Nigel Vagana, and one from the man of the match Joe Williams, sealed the game for the Cardinal and Myrtle in a match that marked the Rabbitohs journey back to the top of the Rugby League pecking order.
2. 2014 RABBITOHS 28-8 ROOSTERS
Both this match and the upcoming blockbuster in 2019, are near identical. Following the 2013 season, the Rabbitohs hosted the newly crowned Premiers at ANZ Stadium for what many believed could be a Grand Final preview.
While it was an even contest on paper, the final result told a very different story, as Souths ran away with an impressive 28-8 victory and showcased their impending Premiership credentials.
Who says history can't repeat itself?
1. 2009 RABBITOHS 52-12 ROOSTERS
It was the Club's biggest win over the tri-colours since the beginning of the NRL and undoubtedly the best Round 1 victory over the arch enemy.
A monster victory on Roosters' turf still lives long in the memory of those who bleed Red and Green as six Souths players crossed over the white stripe in a comprehensive 52-12 win.
Try scoring freak Nathan Merritt put another three on the board with Fetuli Talanoa, who scored a double, centre Colin Best, second rower Eddy Pettybourne, halfback Chris Sandow and fullback Rhys Wesser all joining in on the fun.
