The 15 best players poached between the Roosters and Rabbitohs since 1970

Their rivalry runs deep, and supporters of the Rabbitohs and Roosters love nothing more than when their club poaches a star from the other. These are the 15 best raids pulled off since 1970.

Counting down the best players poached between the Roosters and Souths since 1970:

15. SHANNON HEGARTY: The former Test winger played in three consecutive grand finals at the Roosters before linking up with Souths in 2005.

14. TERRY HILL: Although Hill was still a teenager, Easts could see his undoubted potential and in 1991 grabbed the Rabbitohs junior.

13. RUSSELL FAIRFAX: The former Easts pin-up boy was lured to Redfern in 1981 after seven seasons at Bondi.

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Russell Fairfax (ball) was star Rooster who left to play for South Sydney. Picture: Warwick Lawson

12. MIKE CLEARY: It was the first major poaching between the rivals clubs since 1970, with the dual international joining the Tricolours in 1971.

11. MARTY GURR: The Bunnies got one back when they signed the current NSW Origin fullback in 1984.

10. ROYCE AYLIFFE: It was as a huge surprise when the Roosters stalwart and former captain joined Souths in 1985.

9. ROBERT LAURIE: He was the Dally M Player of the Year in 1980, leading Souths to the finals. Unfortunately for the Rabbitohs, the Roosters were on the lookout for a five-eighth.

Bryan Fletcher was a big signing for South Sydney in 2003. Picture: Stephen Cooper

8. BRYAN FLETCHER: The Origin and premiership backrower was Souths’ marquee signing in 2003.

7. ANGUS CRICHTON: Souths fans are still seething he linked up with the Chooks last year. For Crichton, it culminated in a premiership.

6. TERRY FAHEY: The Redfern Express hopped off at Bondi Junction in 1981 after five seasons in the red and green.

5. CRAIG WING: The last team Bunnies fans wanted him to join after the NRL kicked them out of the comp in 1999 were their arch rivals Sydney City.

Ron Coote in action for the Rabbitohs in the early 1970s before he headed east to the Roosters in 1972. Picture: South Sydney DRLFC

4. LUKE KEARY: His impact since leaving Souths to sign with the Roosters in 2017 has been enormous, as evident by back-to-back premierships.

3. ELWYN WALTERS: The Test hooker added a further two premierships to the three he won at Souths when he was enticed by Easts coach Jack Gibson in 1974.

2. LATRELL MITCHELL: Four months of torturous speculation ended with the Test centre agreeing to terms during the week. Souths’ most significant signing since Greg Inglis.

1. RON COOTE: The fact both clubs play annually for an trophy named in his honour says it all. He was as huge a loss for Souths in 1972 as he was a crucial addition to Easts, who went on to win premierships in ‘74 and ‘75