RUGBY LEAGUE
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To understand just how much the attitude of rugby league players has changed in the past 50 years you only have to listen to Billy Smith speak.
The St George legend doesn't mince words when asked what he thinks of a rival NRL club.
"We still hate them," Smith chimed in during Wednesday's "heritage round" launch at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Smith, now 73, was referring to South Sydney - a traditional rival of St George, and now of the merged St George Illawarra.
The former Australian and NSW halfback was part of the Dragons' golden generation of the 1950s and '60s, during which they won a record 11 consecutive premierships.
The relationship between clubs and players was a little different to 2015.
"We used to bash each other, and then we ended up back at the Cauliflower [Hotel] having a drink together," Smith said.
"I thought this is stupid, we hated each other, then go back and have a drink and a game of cards with the boys."
The hatred has dissipated since those days but the desire to win burns as bright as it ever did.
Dragons winger Jason Nightingale could only laugh at Smith's comments when asked how he felt about South Sydney.
"I think Billy is just spicing things up as Billy does," Nightingale said.
"You've got rivalry with clubs and you want to beat everyone.
"But I don't feel any hate when I play a team.
"It's just a competitive rivalry, there's a lot of respect between the players."
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan agrees that there's no genuine hatred between any clubs or players in the competition.
But it doesn't mean he will hold back when he steps onto the SCG against Souths on Saturday.
"You're two teams out there trying to win a game of footy," Dugan said.
"There is a lot of pride and passion in both clubs and a lot of rich history."
The SCG will host its sole game for the year when the Dragons and Rabbitohs square off in a crucial round 19 battle.
Both clubs are battling to remain in the top half of the competition ladder.
The Dragons were the form team of the NRL little more than a month ago, but five consecutive losses have seen them tumble down to seventh place.
The reigning premiers South Sydney are fifth and will drop at least one spot if they lose this weekend.
Many pundits are writing the Rabbitohs off but Nightingale believes they are right up there in the premiership market.
"Their early-season form was great. They are probably similar to us, going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment."