Robbie Farah and Jason Taylor booked for round one grudge match

EVERYONE loves a good feud in rugby league and the Robbie Farah v Jason Taylor war is set to take centre stage in 2017. IT’S THE MONDAY BUZZ!

EVERYONE loves a good feud in rugby league and even the NRL and free-to-air broadcasters Channel 9 want to be part of it.

It’s what the game has thrived on since 1908 — rivalry, bitterness, conflict and drama.

And it’s why the South Sydney Rabbitohs game against the Wests Tigers has been scheduled as the opening Friday night blockbuster of the 2017 rugby league season.

Robbie Farah and Jason Taylor will square off in a round one blockbuster.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the biggest individual grudge match of the season has been given the prime time Friday, March 3 timeslot, most likely at ANZ Stadium.

Robbie Farah v Jason Taylor in a highlight of hatred.

In a bumper start to the season, the NRL will kick-off on the Thursday night with premiers the Cronulla Sharks to host the Brisbane Broncos at Shark Park in what is sure to be a full house.

Then it’s Farah v Taylor.

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“It will get huge ratings,” said one Channel Nine executive.

“Souths have a strong following and there hasn’t been a bigger blue in rugby league for years than Farah and Taylor.

“We could have waited until later in the season but it’s the game everyone wants to see.”

Like last year when the network picked Parramatta and Manly for the premiership opener because it was Kieran Foran lining up against his old Sea Eagles teammates.

After 247 games and 14 seasons at the Wests Tigers, it is sure to be the most emotional night of Farah’s NRL career.

And you can guarantee there has been no game he would want to win more to prove a point to the coach who treated him so poorly and so disrespectfully in his final years at Concord.

Robbie Farah acknowledges the fans during his lap of honour during the final round at Liechhardt Oval.

We spoke to both Taylor and Farah over the weekend to get their thoughts on the opening round match-up. At this stage they refuse to get involved in any of the hype.

“The first round is a big one for all teams, no matter who you are playing,” Taylor said. “Other than that I’d prefer not to say anything.”

Farah, who has just completed his first week at Rabbitohs training, declined to comment. He says he will speak closer to event.

Hate is a strong word but there is no doubt it best describes the true feelings between the pair.

They make Michael Clarke and Simon Katich or Mal Meninga and Wayne Bennett seem like close mates.

Taylor had no room for Farah in his squad.

Taylor will be under more pressure and scrutiny than any other coach next year following Sunday’s The Sunday Telegraph story about a Rugby League Players Association report which raised serious questions about player welfare at the Tigers.

The NRL will reveal the full draw for the 2017 season later this month.

Only the first round free-to-air games have been locked in at this stage.

Robbie Farah sits up on the scoreboard drinking beers as the sunsets. Picture : Gregg Porteous

The Cronulla Sharks will be delighted to get the opening game of the season at home to kick-off their 50-year premiership celebrations against the Broncos.

Cronulla return home from the World Club challenge in England on Tuesday, February 21 which gives them nine days to prepare for the NRL opener.

Originally published as Robbie Farah and Jason Taylor booked for round one grudge match