Rugby league rivalries are built on all the things society tells you are the wrong thing to do.
In rugby league – you hate thy neighbour and you covet the success of another. And hypocritically, you will get out on to the field and do everything you can to beat a team who has the gall to exist for the same length of time as you have.
Sure, they are all irrational reasons – but rugby league fans love it – and what better way to celebrate the history and culture of club rugby league than with the XXXX Rivalry Round.
Last year, history was made as for the first time ever XXXX Rivalry Round become a statewide event with all senior Queensland Rugby League competitions involved.
This is happening again this year, and QRL Media asked the three Divisions (Northern, Central and South East Queensland) to offer a handful of matches they thought would be standout this weekend.
Head to the local league websites for match details so you can get out to a game!
NORTHERN DIVISION
Cairns District Rugby League’s Pat Bailey gave us her rundown on this weekend’s matches:
Saturday:
Kangaroos v Brothers (no love lost there)
Tableland derby sees Mareeba v Atherton (no love lost here either)
Cassowary Coast derby sees Tully v Innisfail (Battle of the Cane and Bananas Farmers)
Sunday:
Suburbs v Ivanhoes (good mates go head-to-head)
Yarrabah v Mossman Port Douglas (I would rather call this a Heritage match. Both would agree because rivalry is what it is.)
She also had a bit to say about the Intrust Super Cup game being played at Barlow Park on Sunday:
Northern Pride v Mackay Cutters (They have played against each other for many years in the Foley Shield. Both traditionally dislike Townsville and are both feeder clubs to the NQ Cowboys)
CENTRAL DIVISION
Rockhampton Operations Manager Amanda Ohl highlighted her game of the round:
Rockhampton A Grade: North Chargers v Rockhampton Brothers:
They play a game every year for the Paul Iles Memorial Cup. The two teams have been playing this game since 2005. Iles played for both clubs during his career.
Northern Wide Bay Operations Mananger Dave Pearce picked out a Bundaberg match:
This weekend on Saturday at 5.45pm, we will see the “Clash of the Bundy Rugby League Season” be played between Past Brothers and Hervey Bay at Brothers Sports Club, Takalvan Street Bundaberg.
Toowoomba Operations Manager Michael Jensen has his eye on the Border Rugby League:
In the BRL, Stanthorpe Gremlins are playing an old rival in Tenterfield Tigers in the BRL Patrons Cup.
The two leading clubs from Round 1 who then meet in Round 2 play off for the BRL Patron’s Cup.
It just so happens that one team is from Queensland and the other is from NSW, the BRL’s version of State of Origin!
Local patron who will be presenting Cup will be Neil Crisp, who has been involved in junior and senior rugby league in the region for approximately 50- 60 years or so.
The game will be played at Sullivan Oval Stanthorpe this Saturday after the juniors conclude. A Grade, Ladies LeagueTag and Reserve Grade. Games start at 1pm.
SOUTH EAST DIVISION
Rugby League Brisbane manager Shane McNally was looking forward to taking in some BRL history:
West Brisbane Panthers v Fortitude Valleys is a revisit to the golden years of Brisbane Rugby League where two clubs which dominated the competition through the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Premierships won:
Valleys: 1970; 1971; Runners up 1972; 1973; 1974; Runners up 1978; 1979; 1988; 1989; 1990.
Wests: 1975; 1976; Runners up 1991; 1992; 1993; Runners up 1994.
Rugby League Ipswich Brendon Rose gave a rundown of Ipswich Rugby League this weekend:
The round this weekend was created for XXXX Rivalry Round.
West End v Brothers (The has been big movement of players between the clubs)
Norths v Swifts (Both sides will be playing for the Harry Langer Cup)
Goodna v Fassifern (new-look Goodna v Fassifern, who are ready to add to their wins)
Valleys v Cobras (Two new clubs who only play in Reserve Grade and Under 19)
