NRL NT rivals Nightcliff and Darwin battle for Chico Motlop Shield

NIGHTCLIFF and South Darwin will fight for the 18th instalment of the Chico Motlop Shield at Goodline Park today

South Darwin's Jake Rainger fires off a pass to a teammate. Picture: JUSTIN KENNEDY

NIGHTCLIFF and South Darwin will fight for the 18th instalment of the Chico Motlop Shield at Goodline Park today.

A Territory rugby league legend, Motlop’s playing career was highlighted by his appearance for the NT against France in their 1964 tour of Australia.

He went on to coach Nightcliff (1985-88), winning the premiership in 1987 when sons Mark, Paul, Mo and Eddie were part of the Dragons side, before he switched to South Darwin in 1990.

Eddie is now in charge of his second stint as coach of the Rabbitohs, while Mark and Paul have also controlled the clipboard at Warren Park.

Bunnies president Peter “Eagle” Creedy told the NT News the fixture was no ordinary game of football.

“It’s the biggest day of the year for this club,” Creedy said.

“The Motlops have been associated with the club for more than 30 years. They are honorary life members.”

Since the fixture’s inception in 2000, Nightcliff has lost only twice — the last time in 2008.

Dragons coach Daniel Roach said it was a record they planned to keep intact.

“There’s a lot of pride in this shield. I spoke to the boys about this at training ... I’ve been here four years or so and we’ve never lost it,” he said.

“Even though I’m not a player anymore, it’s something were going to take pride in and as a coach, try and keep.”

Nightcliff has played only one match in a month and Roach said the lack of football had been frustrating. However, his side needed to start chalking victories after several narrow defeats in the first half of the season.

“Now were back into the full swing of things, we are hoping to get a win up this week and try and back it up the following week,” he said. “We’ve only just been getting beaten in the last few games. Now we have to actually win games; it’s been an up-and-down season.”

NT Titans trio Quincy To’oto’oulugia, Dain Smith and Allan Foster will be absent from Nightcliff’s forward pack due to injury.