It's a bitter rivalry, and Sunday night's game between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs had plenty of fireworks.
There was a sin bin call in the opening minutes for Victor Radley, with the game's biffs, high tackles and more going on to provide a league-record total of seven.
It was a desperate fight for the two teams to keep their finals hopes alive, with 40 thousand fans packed in to Sydney Stadium cheering their respective sides on, but ultimately the Rabbitohs were too strong, winning 30-14.
Latrell Mitchell was one of the Rabbitohs stars, converting five from five and even scoring a try himself after breaking through the Roosters' defence.
A former East Sydney player, the fullback last week complained of feeling unfairly targeted by constant booing in recent games, warning that it was the same treatment that had driven Adam Goodes from the game.
However the Birrbay and Wiradjuri man felt the love from the assembled Souths fans last night, as a deafening wave of cheers greeted him during a post match interview on the field.
After taking a moment to compose himself, and holding back tears, Mitchell thanked the crowd for their support.
"I'm so glad Souths' fans turned up... and supported us all the way," he told commentator Brad Fittler.
"It's very emotional."
The victory puts Mitchell in his first final game for the Rabbitohs in three years, with injury and suspension keeping him away for the last two.
Mitchell was gracious in victory, speaking to his former teammates following the game.
"I spent most of my career there, and I can't thank the Roosters enough for giving me an opportunity to be Latrell Mitchell.
"Now I get to express that with the best club in the world. It's so good, I love the community.
"I love being here, and I love being around South Sydney," he said, to a renewed wave of cheers.
The Rabbitohs' win sets up a clash next weekend between them and the Cronulla Sharks.
