Book of Feuds

infobox Book |
name = The Book of Feuds
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Front cover, first edition
author = Mark Courtney
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = Australia
language = English
series =
genre = Sport
publisher =
release_date = March 13 2008
media_type = Print (Paperback)
pages =
isbn =
preceded_by =
followed_by =

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. [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bitter-feud-to-get-public-airing/2007/09/01/1188067436982.html "Bitter feud to get public airing"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 2 September 2007] 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 Sydney 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. [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bitter-feud-to-get-public-airing/2007/09/01/1188067436982.html "Bitter feud to get public airing"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 2 September 2007]

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. [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/book-of-feuds/2008/03/08/1204780126402.html "Book of feuds"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 9 March 2008]

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". [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bitter-feud-to-get-public-airing/2007/09/01/1188067436982.html "Bitter feud to get public airing"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 2 September 2007]

Readings

Crowe and other Souths identities, such as co-captain David Kidwell, 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. [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/book-of-feuds/2008/03/08/1204780126402.html "Book of feuds"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 9 March 2008] [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bitter-feud-to-get-public-airing/2007/09/01/1188067436982.html "Bitter feud to get public airing"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 2 September 2007]

Release

The rivalry between the Sydney Roosters 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. [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/book-of-feuds/2008/03/08/1204780126402.html "Book of feuds"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 9 March 2008] 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". [ [http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/book-of-feuds/2008/03/08/1204780126402.html "Book of feuds"] , Adrian Proszenko, "League HQ", 9 March 2008] Both Roosters coach Brad Fittler and player Willie Mason added their own views, stating they "hate Souths". [ [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/nrl/story/0,21985,23353424-14823,00.html "Willie fires up old feud"] , Steve Mascord, "Herald Sun", 11 March 2008]

References