LOUIS BURKE | Culture | CONTACT
In case you’ve been living under a footy-free rock, the first ever western derby grand final will be taking place between next-door rivals, the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels.
A lot is at stake in this premiership match as these longstanding rivals get ready to face each other in the grand final for the first time in history.
Not only are bragging rights and Chubby Buns coupons on the line, unconfirmed reports state the winner will finally be able to claim ownership of cusp suburbs such Blacktown and the less important Hills District.
With a 20 year headstart on the Panthers, Parra lay claim to the disputed suburbs even though rugby league casuals in the area would like to support a team that has won something in post-Hawke Australia.
With a love for rugby league and loud disputes at train stations, Blacktown has long been a suburb with a foot in either team’s camp and now looks to the upcoming big show to decide it once and for all.
Combining all the joy of shopping centres with all the convenience of being far away from everything, Sydney’s Hills District has long been a place that has failed to commit to a footy team, preferring instead to casually join a Pentecostal cult or continue to mourn the loss of the Razorbacks.
However, now that the two historically table fodder teams are now competing for greatness, the Hills District has declared themselves actual fans of footy, even though they will wait for the final score to determine their allegiance, like the happy clappers they are.
MORE TO COME.
