The Mole's biggest NRL feuds: Stinks to watch in 2021, headlined by Cleary vs Barrett
Rugby league is a game that has always thrived on feuds - here are some to look forward to in 2021.
Ivan Cleary vs Trent Barrett
Two former mates who worked together at Penrith last season have had a falling out since Barrett left to take over the reins at the Bulldogs, roping in Matt Burton (next year) and Jack Hetherington to go with him. Look for plenty of spice in Panthers vs Bulldogs games this year.
Ivan Cleary and Trent Barrett. Supplied/Getty
Kevin Proctor vs Shaun Johnson
Like the above, two former mates who fell out in dramatic style last season. It all ended in tears for the two former Kiwi Test colleagues when Johnson accused Proctor of biting him during a tense Sharks vs Titans game, with the result a four-game suspension.
Referee Henry Perenara sends off Titans captain Kevin Proctor for his apparent bite of Shaun Johnson. Getty
Ricky Stuart vs Trent Robinson
A strange one this - no one is really sure what kicked it off but it is well known in league cirlces that there is no love lost between two of the game's leading coaches. No doubt the controversial 2019 grand final played a factor in the fallout.
Ricky Stuart and Trent Robinson. Getty
Anthony Seibold vs Wayne Bennett
Two more coaches who have little time for one another - both accusing the other of re-writing history when it came to their 'musical chairs' in recent seasons. Seibold is out of the head coach pressure cooker this year - but he'll be back.
Anthony Seibold and Wayne Bennett. Getty
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui vs Payne Haas
The pair of hulk-like forwards set State of Origin alight with their fisticuffs in Game II late last year. They are said to be mates off the field - but once they cross the white line this season, fireworks are assured … buckle up!!!
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Payne Haas scuffle during State of Origin II last year. Getty
Adam Reynolds vs Cooper Cronk
Usually a polite, mild-mannered commentator, Cronk got his hands dirty last week when he declared that the Souths halfback couldn't take his team to the grand final for three straight years. Reynolds - in the midst of delicate contract negotiations - wasn't impressed and fired back. The two little men aren't likely to exchange pleasantries any time soon.
Adam Reynolds and Cooper Cronk. Getty
Gavin Badger vs Bernard Sutton
Badger was one of the most popular referees in the NRL in recent seasons - but was told by Sutton his services were no longer required for this year. Both still work for the NRL, with Badger now coaching young whistle-blowers … awkward!
Gavin Badger and Bernard Sutton. Getty
Addin Fonua-Blake vs Grant Atkins
In a fiery Newcastle vs Manly game last seasons, the hot-headed then Sea Eagles prop Fonua-Blake called Atkins "a f---ing retard". Fonua-Blake apologised after being sanctioned by the NRL, but it will be interesting to see what happens the next time the pair cross swords.
Manly prop Addin Fonua-Blake is sent off by referee Grant Atkins. Nine
