The rugby programme quoted the 'we mak'em and they tak'em' line and was from 1973. However, for the word to get into the Oxford English Dictionary, there has to be a reputable printed record of it - and for Mackem, this wasn't found before 1991. The BBC included it in their 'Balderdash and Piffle' programme, where they found a fanzine that had a record of it from the 1980's. As a result, the OED entry is being updated to show this earlier use.

If you could source the 'we mak'em and they tak'em' quote and date it, then you'll know how long it's been around. Tell the BBC if you do find it though!

LTS