By Joanne Vella

19 May 2009 - Canterbury-Bankstown Express

THE Bulldogs have stepped up their campaign to return to their spiritual home of Belmore by outlining employment benefits the move would create.

The NRL club is preparing a submission for the Federal Government as part of its recently announced job stimulus plan for Canterbury-Bankstown - one of the worst hit unemployment areas in the state.

It hopes to win some of the $50 million earmarked for the area under the funding program. The club envisages that it would return to Belmore Sports Ground as early as 2010 when it would resume full-time training and administration functions there. But it is understood first-grade and trial matches would not be played there until 2015.

Watson Federal Labor MP Tony Burke said he would back the move.

"I'm supportive of the move to bring the Canterbury Bulldogs back to Belmore and I will be working with the organisers of the project to try and arrange for funding," he said.

Canterbury Council supported the move but could not afford "routine maintenance" of the playing surface and buildings if the Dogs transferred from their Homebush headquarters.

It is understood it would cost $100,000 for a new ground surface.