It had been thirteen long years since the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' legion of fans cheered on the team at their spiritual home. But when the Bulldogs ran onto the hallowed turf for the first time in the new millennium against the Roosters yesterday, the wait had been well worth it. The Bulldogs returned to their historic birthplace with a spirited game which united the heritage of the facility and the 21st century.

Around 12,000 Bulldogs supporters braved intermittent rain to witness their rugby league heroes' return to Belmore Sports Ground. The return of the Bulldogs to their spiritual home was a great moment for anyone who loves rugby league.

Yesterday, Belmore Sports Ground resounded to the thundering roar of a blue-and-white supporters' army and the ground reverberated under the collective weight of nostalgia. Rugby league reclaimed its suburban heartland and the Bulldogs their soul.

For the Bulldogs, it means they retain the link with the ground that is the birthplace of the club and everything that the club stands for.

It is a club that inspires passion and excitement, and represents the best of the game: loyalty and community spirit. Back to Belmore wishes them well back at their old home.


Steven Cataldi
Operations Manager - Back to Belmore Inc.