The Sydney Roosters are taking NRL title favouritism in their stride as they face the tantalising prospect of a first grand final against neighbouring arch rivals South Sydney in 82 years.
The Roosters and Rabbitohs haven't clashed in a premiership decider since before World War II, but the foundation club rivals are bookmakers' short-priced favourites to square off in the October 6 grand final at ANZ Stadium.
Perennial heavyweights Manly and Melbourne will no doubt have a say in it but, if the Roosters and Rabbitohs qualify for the big one, the century-old foes will reprise a title-match rivalry that dates back to the league's first competition back in 1908.
Back then, it was then known simply as the premiership final and Souths won 14-12.
According to league historian David Middleton, the first true grand final was played in 1930 between Western Suburbs and St George.
Souths and the Roosters, then known as Eastern Suburbs, met in the grand final for the only time in 1931 when the Rabbitohs prevailed 12-7.
Eight decades and 18 Australian prime ministers later and the fierce inner-city rivals are on track to finally face off again in the GF.
The second-placed Roosters seized premiership favouritism after Souths' shock loss last week to St George Illawarra, but remain two points behind the table-topping Rabbitohs six rounds out from the finals.
Their round-26 showdown could well decide the minor premiership and serve as a mouth-watering appetiser to one of the most anticipated grand finals in history.
NSW State of Origin forward Boyd Cordner is promising Roosters fans the tricolours will be "thereabouts" and admits the club's first minor premiership since 2004 is in their sights.
"Obviously we're voted into favourites," Cordner said.
"We haven't spoken much about that at all. We're just focused on the end of the year and coming into the finals.
"Obviously the minor premiership is within reach and we won't be trying not to get it."
Cordner said the Roosters weren't burdened by the favourites' tag and he believed Souths were equally deserving and still the team to beat.
"To tell you the truth, we'll be thereabouts. I think South Sydney are still probably the favourites," he said.
"They've shown all year why they are and they showed again this weekend without Greg Inglis that they can still turn it on."
The Roosters' relentless defence, including a record-equalling five clean sheets, is driving their title push.
But Cordner admitted ill-discipline was undermining the team's premiership challenge.
The Roosters have only won three penalty counts in 18 matches this season and conceded a whopping 13 penalties in Sunday's 28-12 win over Newcastle at Hunter Stadium.
"The defensive effort was there. We only let in two tries," Cordner said.
"With the amount of penalties we gave away, I think it was quite a good defensive effort.
"Obviously with the penalties, it's been stuck with us for a few years now and definitely coming into the finals and the back-end of the season, we need to rub that out quick smart.
"We've talked about it and I suppose we'll be working hard on it this week and for the rest of the season."
With a superior points differential, the Roosters can leapfrog Souths into top spot with victory over Penrith at Centrebet Stadium on Friday night.
Souths play North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night.
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