THE last time CSU played Narromine Gorillas it delivered one of the most memorable matches in the club's 50-year history.
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Beautiful memories of the 2019 grand final will be fresh in the mind of all returning CSU players as they welcome the Gorillas to University Oval for this Saturday's game, knowing that Narromine will be out to put that result well and truly behind them.
One of those players back to defend the title and create more history for CSU is starting prop Marcus Burrell.
Burrell and CSU enjoyed some classic encounters with the Gorillas in 2019, leading up to the unforgettable 30-29 triumph at the Narromine stronghold of Cale Oval.
Even with both teams having new look lineups Burrell is expected an excellent clash at home.
"I've heard they've lost a couple of boys but Narromine are always strong," he said.
"You can never discredit anything that Narromine do. They're a classy side and they showed that in last year's grand final - we were lucky to get away with what we did.
"I'm sure the rivalry will continue, and it seems to be one which is building between us both.
"Some of our strongest performances recently have been against Narromine at home, so that's something positive we can look at this week. A lot will depend on how they travel."
That rivalry kicked up a notch last season where the Gorillas and CSU stood tall above the rest of the competition.
Every clash between the clubs in the New Holland Agriculture Cup seemed to become something much more than just bragging rights.
But if CSU want to earn those this weekend Burrell knows there will have to be much more discipline with the ball in hand compared to the clash with Parkes Boars last round.
"Everyone knows their job this week. We have to work on a few things coming out of that Parkes game and we need to come together more as a team if we want to get the job done against Narromine," he said.
"We let ourselves down in the first half against Parkes. They dominated us a lot in the ruck during that half but we were able to come together in the second half, began to communicate more, and that showed."
CSU will also need to stand tall given a slightly weakened forward pack will be taking on the Gorillas for the grand final rematch.
But Burrell said the club's second grade competition have proven themselves fighters with reduced numbers, and he knows anyone coming up from that level will be up to the test.
"We'll have a couple of guys out so we'll be down on numbers in the forwards, but it's a credit to our second grade guys that we have some strong players coming through," he said.
"The second grade guys have worked so well as a team. They've struggled with numbers due to COVID but their passion for it has always come through.
"That's shown through their coaches Peter and Mark as well. That's why everyone keeps turning up for them."
Victory will help keep CSU in touch with unbeaten competition leaders Mudgee Wombats but a win for the Gorillas gives them the opportunity to jump to the top of the table.
Kick off at University Oval will be 3.15pm.