3 minute read

Sydney FC defender Jordan Courtney-Perkins still holds plenty of hatred for Western Sydney, despite a recent golf catch-up between rival players.

Jordan Courtney-Perkins insists Sydney FC's hatred of Western Sydney Wanderers remains as intense as ever, despite criticism of players coming together for golf ahead of the rivals' clash.

Only days before the Sydney derby headlines the A-Leagues' Unite Round, Courtney-Perkins and Sydney teammates Joe Lolley and Luke Brattan shared a round of golf with Western Sydney imports Juan Mata and Marcus Antonsson.

Sky Blues great-turned-radio host Alex Brosque led criticism of the festivities captured on Instagram, questioning whether players were still attached to the A-Leagues' most iconic rivalry.

Defender Courtney-Perkins had not been aware of the commentary until the drive to Sydney Harbour's foreshore for the launch of the A-Leagues' second Unite Round on Thursday.

But he said there would be complete animosity between the two traditional rivals come Saturday night.

"You'd be crazy not to think that. This is one of the biggest games, if not the biggest game, in the league," Courtney-Perkins told AAP.

"I've got a life outside of football. Regardless of what I do, my mentality and preparation going into a game like this doesn't change.

"We step out onto the pitch and I hate the Wanderers as much as any Sydney FC fan or player."

He said former Nottingham Forest winger Lolley was the best golfer of those who took part, the Englishman teaching his Australian teammate a thing or two with club in hand.

"I'm struggling at the moment, I'm in a bit of a slump. We've been busy with football," Courtney-Perkins said.

"(But) to be able to go out and clear your head on the golf course and think of nothing else but golf, it's a healthy hobby to have."

Planned industrial action from the Rail Tram and Bus Union has threatened to impinge upon Unite Round, which will feature six men's games at Allianz Stadium this weekend.

Wanderers fans have emerged as the big losers from the planned strikes, forced to find alternative routes to Allianz Stadium - the Sky Blues' regular home stadium in the heart of inner Sydney.

But rival supporters have found an unlikely ally in Courtney-Perkins, who is hopeful of a stadium packed with both fan bases.

"We can't influence what's going on with the trains, but I'd like to see the stadium full because the thing you want as a player is to play in front of great atmospheres," he said.

"When you score a goal in front of your fans that's super special, but I think when you score a goal in front of opposition fans, that's just as special."

The NSW government and unions met for crisis meetings on Thursday afternoon, with a call on the strike expected to be made in the evening.

"Hopefully it gets sorted out," said Wanderers striker Zac Sapsford.

"Regardless, our fans are very supportive of us, and no matter what, they'll find a way to get to the game."