Book of Feuds
Encyclopedia
The Book of Feuds is a book commissioned by South Sydney Rabbitohs
co-owner Russell Crowe
to chronicle the rivalries of the club and to be used as a motivational tool. A chapter is dedicated to each of their 15 National Rugby League
competitors. It was written by Mark Courtney
.
Originally, the book's contents were a secret but later extracts were seen being read by Crowe to the team in the television documentary South Side Story.
The Book of Feuds doubles as both an educational document and a motivational tool. Shortly after the Rabbitohs were readmitted to the competition for the 2002 season
the players were asked by Crowe which club had won the most premierships. Of the answers given none of the players knew the correct answer, that it was Souths.
The Book's author, Courtney stated that, "It's not done from a bitter perspective, it's done from an envy perspective," when interviewed, "The Book of Feuds is not a bitter book - well, there is occasional bitterness and hatred".
, who has been out injured, coach Jason Taylor and Courtney have all read excerpts of the book to the players to fire them up before matches. Crowe has delivered the majority of the readings.
and the Souths is the longest surviving in the current NRL
competition.
Leading up to a 2008 match, the Book was released by the South Sydney Rabbitohs to the public. Inside, the author claims "the Roosters lost their soul" and that "they simply don't have the tradition, the stories or the romance that is South Sydney". Both Roosters coach Brad Fittler
and player Willie Mason
added their own views, stating they "hate Souths".
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in Redfern, a suburb of South-central Sydney, New South Wales. They participate in the National Rugby League premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital...
co-owner Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe
Russell Ira Crowe is a New Zealander Australian actor , film producer and musician. He came to international attention for his role as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, a...
to chronicle the rivalries of the club and to be used as a motivational tool. A chapter is dedicated to each of their 15 National Rugby League
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
competitors. It was written by Mark Courtney
Mark Courtney
Mark Vincent Courtney is an English former motorcycle speedway rider who rode in the British League for several teams between 1978 and his retirement in 1993...
.
Originally, the book's contents were a secret but later extracts were seen being read by Crowe to the team in the television documentary South Side Story.
Origins and Themes
The Book of Feuds began as a detailed account of Souths' history against their rivals - but a shorter version was created specifically to be read to the players before matches.The Book of Feuds doubles as both an educational document and a motivational tool. Shortly after the Rabbitohs were readmitted to the competition for the 2002 season
National Rugby League season 2002
The 2002 NRL season was the 95th season of professional rugby league football in Australia and the fifth to be run by the National Rugby League...
the players were asked by Crowe which club had won the most premierships. Of the answers given none of the players knew the correct answer, that it was Souths.
The Book's author, Courtney stated that, "It's not done from a bitter perspective, it's done from an envy perspective," when interviewed, "The Book of Feuds is not a bitter book - well, there is occasional bitterness and hatred".
Readings
Crowe and other Souths identities, such as co-captain David KidwellDavid Kidwell
David Kidwell is a retired professional rugby league footballer who represented his country. Kidwell was a member of the 2005 Tri-Nations and 2008 World Cup winning New Zealand teams, which defeated Australia in both competitions' respective finals...
, who has been out injured, coach Jason Taylor and Courtney have all read excerpts of the book to the players to fire them up before matches. Crowe has delivered the majority of the readings.
Release
The rivalry between the Sydney RoostersSydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League...
and the Souths is the longest surviving in the current NRL
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
competition.
Leading up to a 2008 match, the Book was released by the South Sydney Rabbitohs to the public. Inside, the author claims "the Roosters lost their soul" and that "they simply don't have the tradition, the stories or the romance that is South Sydney". Both Roosters coach Brad Fittler
Brad Fittler
Bradley Scott "Freddie" Fittler AM is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. The current coach of NSW City team in the City vs. Country clash, he coached in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters between 2007 and 2009. As a player, Fittler captained both New South Wales...
and player Willie Mason
Willie Mason
William Marshall "Willie" Mason is an Australian professional rugby union footballer for Toulon in the Top 14 competition, having previously being a rugby league footballer for Hull KR in the European Super League.Mason signed a 3-year contract with Hull KR in September 2010, pending a successful...
added their own views, stating they "hate Souths".