South Sydney lock Cameron Murray knows Rugby League’s fiercest rivalry better than most.
Growing up in Rabbitohs heartland, Murray grew up hating the Sydney Roosters and that position has never wavered since making his debut for his junior club in 2017.
The rivalry between the two foundation clubs dates back to 1908 and any player movement between them – including teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii’s recent defection to the Roosters – only adds fuel to the fire.
Co-owner Russell Crowe also fanned the flames with ‘The Book of Feuds’, which delves into the rivalries between Souths and all clubs and is widely used as motivation by the players.
For someone like Murray, the book isn’t necessary, but he believes it’s important for their new recruits to understand how important this game is.
“I grew up in the area so I understand the rivalry, but for boys like Benji (Marshall) and Jai (Arrow) who don’t understand the rivalry as much as some of the juniors like myself and Reno (Adam Reynolds), it’s good for them to understand what it’s like coming up to the Souths and Roosters rivalry,” Murray said.
“It (The Book of Feuds) might come out this week or later in the year, but it’s good for the boys to understand just how big a game against the Roosters is, not only for the team but for the entire Souths community.”
The last outing between the two sides will soon have its own chapter in The Book of Feuds, after Souths notched up a historic 60-8 victory.
