The Good Friday match is always one of the biggest on the NRL schedule but this year's clash has taken on even greater meaning.
The Bulldogs are flying high at the top of the table, undefeated for the first time since 1993 and chasing their first 6-0 start to a season since 1938.
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Across town, Wayne Bennett's return has had an immediate impact on the Rabbitohs and they sit fifth despite a heavy injury toll.
Friday's match is expected to break the NRL's all-time regular season crowd record of 59,708, set in 2013 when South Sydney hosted the Roosters.
The attendance is on track to crack 70,000 with the Bulldogs releasing $10 tickets this week in a bid to break through the 80,000 milestone.
There are hopes a late flurry of tickets could even see the full-house sign go up at Accor Stadium, with club officials urging fans to be part of a history-making moment.
Bulldogs legend James Graham said the combination of Easter, two big fan bases and afternoon football combine to create an atmosphere like no other.
"Some of my fondest memories came in that game," Graham told NRL.com.
"There's a big rivalry between the two clubs and they're two of the biggest clubs in Sydney. It's a special time of year for a lot of people with Easter and sport plays a big part in that too.
There was something in the air that this was more than another game for both clubs. This is bigger than just the two points, there's a lot on the line and that's made by the crowd.
Canterbury and South Sydney started playing on the Easter weekend in 2006, however it wasn't until 2012 that it became a regular Good Friday fixture.
Fans quickly flocked to the game, many starting the day at the Easter Show before making the short walk to Accor Stadium for the NRL match.
Former winger Bryson Goodwin is one of few players to have appeared on both sides of the field in the Good Friday match.
"I loved playing in that game," Goodwin told NRL.com.
"Playing at the Bulldogs when it first started was a cool experience. Having the Easter Show there, it was a big day and playing afternoon footy made it the best time.
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"They're two big clubs in Sydney, when they're both going well, footy is in a good place and there's a lot of tension, hype and build up to the match."
Graham was a star prop for English powerhouse St Helens when he signed with the Bulldogs for the 2012 season. An avid Rugby League fan, he was aware of the Club's storied history and large supporter base but even he was shocked by the scenes throughout his first year with the team.
I knew they were a passionate group of fans but it wasn't until that first Grand Final[in 2012 that I got a real sense of how big this Club is and how passionate the fans are.
"2012 was a big ride. To witness that, that's when I really took notice and it hit me how passionate the Bulldogs are."
Canterbury had a taste of big-game experience at the back end of last season, falling to Manly twice in the space of three weeks in front of crowds of 35,502 and 50,714. The latter of those matches was a sudden-death semi-final.
The Bulldogs have reflected on both losses and declared they have learnt the lessons coming into this season.
