The St George-Illawarra Dragons secured a 34-24 triumph over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground yesterday, showing scant mercy to the home side in Canterbury's tenth NRL premiership match at the historic venue since 2015.

Locals and visitors to Belmore united in their passion for rugby league. The buzz and excitement of top level footy could be felt throughout the stands at Belmore Sports Ground, with fans getting a taste of NRL action in Bulldogs heartland. Blue and white were the colours of the day with red trickling through in a show of support from the outnumbered Dragons supporters.

Back to Belmore Patron Luke Brailey said it was great for the Canterbury-Bankstown community to hold these high-profile events.

“There is something special about Belmore Sports Ground. It is the most beautiful sporting facility in the world. We are very lucky to have the big league arrive on our doorstep once a year and showcase the amazing heritage and history of this incredible sporting venue,” Mr Brailey said.

“It was amazing. These sorts of events where we can bring people together are just fantastic for the local community and businesses in Belmore. The Bulldogs' various opponents at Belmore Sports Ground since their 'second coming' in 2015 have helped keep the local fixture fresh and generated plenty of interest in the lead-up to the annual announcement about who will be making the trip to 1 Edison Lane.”

Played in front of 16,991 fans, queues to gain entry yesterday snaked hundreds of metres, the Terry Lamb Family Hill full half an hour before kick-off. Winners or not, attendees all contributed to a buzzing atmosphere of footy fans excited to see the live action in Belmore.