The friendship at the heart of league's greatest rivalry

For 80 minutes this week they'll go toe-to-toe, exchange a few words and add another chapter to rugby league's greatest ever rivalry.

But behind the scenes Cody Walker and Angus Crichton are the closest of mates, bonding over their love for Crichton's latest Indigenous culture initiative launching in October – the First People Project.

Crichton has had a keen interest in sharing Indigenous culture after meeting close friends Leon and Dewlyn Wunungmurra at Scots College as a teenager.

Walker revealed to pan66.com a text message he received off the former Rabbitoh in August asking him to join on as an ambassador had left him overwhelmed.

He's joined Rabbitohs teammate Dane Gagai as an ambassador for the project, while Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell, who Crichton is close to at the Tricolours, is also on board.  

"It was a really in-depth message and goes to show that he's worked hard to get the foundation up and running," Walker told pan66.com.

"He's a wonderful soul, Gussy. He's put a lot of thought into it and has spent a lot of time with the people up at Arnhem Land. There was no way I was going to say no to being an ambassador."

On the paddock and it's business as usual for Walker, who is happy to play the villain after his physical and verbal exchanges with the premiers when the sides met at the SCG in round one.

"When you get on that footy oval you want to win the game and will do whatever it takes to win," Walker said.

"It's a little bit weird, we've beaten them twice this year and identified the key areas we need to improve."

Meanwhile, Walker expects returning forward George Burgess to fire after a nine-week suspension.

Burgess announced he'll depart the club at season's end to return home to England and join Wigan after eight years in the NRL.

"He's been getting around the training paddock well and his energy is great," Walker said.

"He's been great at training and I know we're getting a player raring to go."