Everything you want in a sporting rivalry will be on display at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
The tit-for-tat signings from each other in recent years has only added to the bitterness that exists between these two clubs.
The fact both teams have been top-four regulars in recent years has added another layer.
The Rabbitohs will want to respond to last Friday's loss to Penrith while the Roosters finished well against the Dragons.
They won't meet in the first week of the finals, but a clash in the preliminary finals is on the radar.
For that reason, neither coach will be wanting to give too much away.
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The rundown
Team news
Roosters: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is the latest Roosters casualty with a minor knee complaint, with Fletcher Baker to start at prop and Tuku Hau Tapuha joining the bench.
Moala Graham-Taufa will be the 18th man.
Siosiua Taukeiaho (head knock) was taken from the field late in last week's win over the Dragons but will play.
Along with Waerea-Hargreaves, goalkicking centre Adam Keighran (head knock), forward Nat Butcher (knee) and Dale Copley are the latest casualties with Trent Robinson unable to name a full 21-man squad on Tuesday.
Roosters forward Isaac Liu will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Rabbitohs: Damien Cook had a quad concern but has proven his fitness and will start the match.
In a minor change announced an hour before kick-off, Tom Burgess goes back to the bench with Tevita Tatola to start the match.
Liam Knight has worked his way back from a concussion in round 18 to the point where he is the 18th man.
Peter Mamouzelos and Taane Milne were trimmed from the reserves on Friday night.
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Key match-up
James Tedesco v Latrell Mitchell. What a treat it is whenever these two are on the field at the same time. These wonderful fullbacks are both match-winners and usually both fire in big games. Enjoy.
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Stat attack
South Sydney sit second behind the Storm for points and tries this season but the Rabbitohs are tied with Melbourne on 97 try assists and are also No.1 for line-break assists with 120 to the third-ranked Storm's 105.
The Roosters are fourth in both categories, well behind their fellow foundation club.
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