The rivalry is only two years old but the Sonny Bill Williams-Sam Burgess showdown is easily the most anticipated individual battle in the competition.

But given they are both off to the 15-man code next season, there's more than just the minor premiership on the line in Thursday night's blockbuster confrontation between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.

It could also shape as the final round in search of bragging rights as the NRL's premier forward before the pair leave the game.

It began on March 7, 2013 with Burgess running over the top of Williams in his return to rugby league.

Round one went to Burgess, but round two went to Williams after the Roosters claimed victory in the final round of last season to claim the minor premiership on the road to winning the title.

Round three again went to Williams after the Kiwis got the better of England in the World Cup semi-final.

Round four went to Burgess after the Bunnies opened 2014 with a round one victory against the arch enemy. Now at 2-2, the knockout punch could be inflicted if the two teams don't meet in the finals.

Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello has seen a number of fiery confrontations in his 15 years in the NRL, but he said there's been none better than Burgess versus Williams.

"It's outstanding, it's a 10 out of 10 rating," Minichiello said.

"They've gone at each other ever since Sonny came back to the Roosters. They went at each other at the World Cup last year. It will be on again so I look forward to that.

"They are two great players with great skill and great power. When they come head-to-head, that's what the fans want. They're up there [as the best forwards in the competition] definitely – everyone just sits back and watches."

Williams has struggled to recapture the form of last season in a disrupted year for the Roosters, but there's no doubting that Burgess has gone to another level since announcing he would be leaving the Bunnies and his three brothers to return home to play rugby union.

Burgess has been the form forward in the game and arguably the best player in the competition this season, averaging almost 20 runs for 160 metres a game.

While going head-to-head seems to bring out the best in both Williams and Burgess, Minichiello insists it's nothing personal.

"Both guys are great guys," Minichiello said.

"I know Sammy as well off the field. All that stuff that happens on the field is just their aggressive nature on the field, but when they get off the field they are just the nicest blokes in the world.

"The fans want to see them come together. They want to see who comes out on top and all that sort of jazz. For us, it's not just about Sonny versus Sammy. It's about the 17 players on the field playing as a team and trying to do their best to do what our plan is."

Minichiello admits their personal duel inspires the rest of the team.

"When they go at it, you know that Sonny is on tonight and it just inspires you to do better," Minichiello said.

Asked if he'd noticed a difference in Williams' preparation and attitude as his time in the NRL draws to an end, the Roosters captain insists nothing has changed.

"He goes about his business as a professional," Minichiello said.

"He's always done that from last year to this year. He gets his preparation right for him to play his best."