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Legends Steve Mortimer and Peter Sterling explain why the rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Eels is often spoken about.

It was the 1980s and if it wasn't the Eels lifting the premiership trophy it seemed to be the boys from Belmore.

Between them, they won eight of the 10 titles on offer with only Manly (1987) and Canberra (1989) pinching premierships late on in the decade.

Canterbury defeated Parramatta in the major semi-final of 1984 (16-8), and then they met again in the Grand Final where the Dogs won 6-4 to take their 4th title.

Trying to defend their title as Premiers, the Bulldogs finished 3rd in the regular season of 1985. They turned it around in the finals to take their 5th title, beating St George 7-6 in the Grand Final.

The next year, both sides were back again for the 1986 Grand Final. After back-to-back titles in 84 and 85, Parra finally grabbed one with a 4-2 victory over the blue and white.

The golden eras for the two western Sydney clubs' sparked one of the rugby league's great rivalries and their loyal followers are set to flock to ANZ Stadium for Friday night's round 23 clash.

No matter where they are placed on the NRL ladder, this game always carries a lot of passion and feeling.

Acknowledgement of Country

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs respect and honour the Darug and Eora nations, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.