THE ground record could be put to the test when St George Illawarra Dragons tackle neighbouring Cronulla Sharks this Sunday at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
The record — 20,847 — was set in round three on Sunday, March 29, 2009 between the Dragons and Sharks.
That day the Dragons won a tight encounter 10-6.
I always get nervous before the Dragons and Sharks clashes.
League statistician and Sharks historian Jeff Petersen has done plenty of research compiling the facts and figures.
Since 1999 when the Dragons and Steelers merged to form the joint-venture club St George Illawarra, the Dragons have won 17 of the 34 clashes, the Sharks, 16, and we've had one draw.
The Dragons hold a 5-2 advantage at Kogarah.
The most recent clash at Kogarah was round 19, on July 18, 2011. The Dragons won 38-8 that time.
Over the years many players have played for either club.
The late and great Steve Rogers had two stints with the Sharks (1973-82) and 1985 and with Saints, 1983-84.
Others are the late Monty Porter, Grahame Bowen, Ken Maddison, the late Graeme Sams, Nathan Long, Lance Thompson, Trent Barrett, NSW forward Beau Scott, Kiwi Test forward Jeremy Smith, Tyson Frizell, Gerard Beale, Colin Best, the late Ken Kearney who played for the Dragons and coached the Sharks from 1967-69.
Terry Cameron of Lilli Pilli sums it up best about the significance of the derby in his letter: "On Sunday, May 31, at 4pm, sees the long awaited and anticipated return of a true "local derby", the high flying St George Illawarra Dragons and the Cronulla Sharks, at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah. This is an opportunity to show the NRL- Dave'$ Army, that suburban grounds still have an integral part for rugby league traditionalist . So let's see a ground full of red and white supporters and the usual handful of blue, black and white supporters (those brave enough to leave the salubrious shire)."
Who will triumph at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Sunday?