The Magpies and Manly return to Lidcombe Oval on Saturday the 14th of June 2025 to renew the famous rivalry that started back in 1978.

 

*** Part of the game report below on the original Battle of Lidcombe. Taken from the SMH.Dated 8th May 1978.

 

In the Battle of the Rugby League heavyweights, Wests went 15 rounds with Manly at Lidcombe Oval yesterday and staggered away with a 13-7 points decision. Muhammad Ali would of been delighted. The 10,931 spectators witnessed some of the best uppercuts and right hooks seen in Sydney since the ‘Old Barn’  boxing Stadium closed down. Feeling has obviously festered since the ‘ill-tempered bout’ in Melbourne in March when Manly gained a 12-5 win against Wests. Just as obviously,someone forgot to read out the Marquis of Queensbury Rules yesterday.