Canterbury-Bankstown and Parramatta, both from the heartland of Western Sydney, both well entrenched in rugby league history, but both still bitter rivals.
This Thursday, the Bulldogs host the Eels at ANZ Stadium, renewing one of the great rivalries in rugby league.
Throughout history, the Eels and Bulldogs have shared a strong rivalry. This was highlighted during the 1980s, when the sides won eight premierships between them.
Parramatta even called Belmore Sports Ground home during 1982 and 1985, while their stadium was being renovated.
The Eels won three consecutive premierships (1981,82 and 83), before Canterbury defeated Parramatta in the 1984 Grand Final, 6-4, to claim their fourth title.
Trying to defend their title as Premiers, the Bulldogs finished 3rd in the regular season of 1985. They turned that around in the finals to take their fifth title, beating St George 7-6 in the Grand Final.
The next year, both sides were back for the 1986 Grand Final. After back-to-back titles in 84 and 85 for the boys from Belmore, the blue and gold finally grabbed one with a 4-2 victory over the Dogs.
So here we are 30 years on and how appropriate that these two sides clash as the game celebrates Retro Round.
The sixth placed Eels come into the clash off the back of five straight victories, while the Bulldogs will be looking to turn the tables after their one-point loss to Parramatta in Round 17.
TURN back the clock with retro ticket prices for #NRLBulldogsEels
This week’s meeting will be the 142nd clash between the two sides and to celebrate Retro Round, FOX LEAGUE has partnered with the NRL and clubs to give Rugby League fans the chance to attend selected NRL games at reduced prices this weekend.
Across Round 22 of the NRL, FOX LEAGUE will step back in time to celebrate a golden era in Rugby League, the 80s, for this year’s Retro Round and will celebrate everything that made this golden era of Rugby League great, including pay tribute to the legends that made the game what it is today.
