The story of the Sea Eagles and the Rabbitohs is one of the most underrated rivalries in the NRL East Conference.

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The rivalry between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles spans seven decades, three grand finals and a pendulum forever swinging back and forth between the two historic clubs.

The Sea Eagles entered the league in 1947 and rapidly became a force, but it was the Rabbitohs who repeatedly stood in the way between the Northern Beaches club and their first premiership. The Rabbitohs prevailed over the Sea Eagles in 1951 and 1968, with the trilogy of grand final victories culminating in the legendary 1970 match made famous by John Sattler and his broken jaw.

However, the two teams’ fortunes quickly shifted in a matter of years: the Bunnies went back-to-back to claim their 20th title in 1971; the Sea Eagles broke their premiership in 1972. And while the Sea Eagles kicked on to further success, winning grand finals in the following five decades, South’s spent 43 years in the premiership wilderness.

Souths’ resurgence as a finals force began in 2012. The two teams met in the 2013 qualifying final, with the Bunnies bouncing towards their first grand final appearance in many fans’ living memory. Manly had ground their way through a gruelling two matches against the Roosters and Sharks, and looked in all sorts early as Souths shot out to a 14-0 lead. But in one of the biggest finals comebacks in recent memory, the Sea Eagles exploded into life and prevailed 30-20.

South Sydney were out for revenge the following year when they met in week one of the finals – and they achieved it in a big way. They absolutely dominated Manly in a comprehensive 40-24 victory, the first stop on their September march to their 21st premiership.

The clashes between these two NRL East Conference rivals always carry significance. They represent new chapters of a story spanning 73 seasons – a story full of twists, turns and shifting periods of dominance. And there is no end in sight.