Canterbury players have made it a tradition to sing “the Dogs are having a party” after every victory this season — and now the club is hoping 70,000 fans will join the celebration in what could be the biggest regular-season clash in NRL history when they face the Rabbitohs on Good Friday.
Initially aiming for a crowd around 60,000, Bulldogs officials have revised expectations upwards as interest has surged, with attendance now projected to exceed 70,000 at Accor Stadium. That would eclipse the current regular-season record of 59,708, set in 2013 when the Roosters defeated the Rabbitohs.
To help pack the stadium, the club is offering $10 tickets this week, waiving online transaction fees for select seats.
“This is the kind of game players look forward to all season,” said prop Max King. “Everyone’s been asking me for tickets, but I’ve already run out — it’s been a bit of a nightmare. Still, I’m buzzing for it.”
The Bulldogs enter the match as the competition’s only undefeated team, while the Rabbitohs, sitting fifth, have found renewed form under coach Wayne Bennett. The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown, with Bulldogs fans expected to transform Accor Stadium into a charged, finals-like atmosphere.
Captain Stephen Crichton, who’s enjoyed strong support during his time with Penrith, NSW, and Samoa, said Bulldogs fans have taken the passion to another level.
“No one does it like Bulldogs fans,” Crichton said. “Running out in front of them is going to be something special. Their energy and community spirit are unmatched.”
“Success has been hard to come by for them in recent years. But last season showed progress, and our start to this year has really united the community. That’s what coach Ciraldo has envisioned — a connected club that inspires and brings the fans together.”
Though crowd support can’t win games on its own, the players say it fuels their performances and makes them even more determined to deliver.
“I honestly think we’ve got the best fans,” said centre Bronson Xerri. “The way they celebrate wins — shutting down the streets of Belmore — is unreal. It makes you want to go even harder for them. We absolutely love it.”
