The Sydney Roosters admit the embers of hate and ill will towards St George Illawarra are still burning in the wake of last year's spiteful Anzac Day clash.
Ahead of their return clash at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday, Roosters coach Trent Robinson and skipper Jake Friend have admitted there's still feeling between the two sides.
The rivalry between the two erupted after Robinson accused Dragons players of lying down in an attempt to milk a penalty.
It was the second time he had accused Dragons players of feigning injury to draw a penalty, prompting McGregor to confront him outside the dressing sheds.
The Dragons poured fuel on the fire when McGregor returned serve publicly and Joel Thompson later admitted there was "hate" between the two sides while the Roosters players backed their coach's comments.
"There always is (feeling)," Robinson said on Wednesday.
"The day creates that. It's a highly emotional day. There has been some feeling. I don't think that will be any different.
"That's been in the past. It's definitely been there. We've talked about it, We've dealt with it.
"Some things got changed out of that. But it's a new year. Players have changed."
Friend said there was still a feeling of spite but he wasn't drawing on those emotions.
"It's football I guess. You want to win and that stuff's going to come with the territory," Friend said.
"I'm not going to go back and dwell on that sort of stuff. I'm looking forward to the game this year. It's a different year."
Robinson was keeping his cards close to his chest as to whether Dylan Napa and Latrell Mitchell would return.
Napa has begun running after missing the last fortnight with a high ankle sprain and will need to get through Monday's captain's run.
Mitchell was rested for last week's win over Newcastle.
Robinson said he was impressed with how Mitchell had handled the setback but wouldn't be drawn on whether he would replace Joseph Manu.
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