The rivalry is born out of relative proximity of the two towns, but as two of the most successful clubs in British rugby it has become a marquee event in the calendar.

Following the leagues decision to move the competition from winter to the summer the Good Friday Derby remains the one traditionally fixed game in the calendar.

[2] Prior to this, the clubs first met on the 5th December 1874 in a fixture at St Helens with the match ending in a draw.

[4] The clubs have since faced each other over 300 times in all competitions, and the rivalry has grown to become rugby league's biggest derby encounter.

In keeping with tradition, derby fixtures within the RFL have usually been played on Boxing Day and Good Friday.