Accor Stadium was heaving on Good Friday as the Bulldogs’ faithful turned out in droves to support their top-of-the-table side and smash the NRL’s regular season crowd record.
There were officially 65, 305 in the house to watch Canterbury thump South Sydney and go 6-0 for the first time in 87 years.
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Speaking to Fox League’s James Hooper after the game, Max King said he had “never seen scenes like it” as fans joined Bulldogs players in the walk to the stadium.
“I had a tear in my eye,” he added.
The club was offering $10 tickets without any online transaction fees during the week for some seats and the game shattered the previous record of 59,708 when the Roosters beat the Rabbitohs in the final round of the 2013 season.
Foxsports.com.au spoke to Bulldogs supporters at the game who had also been there in the tough times when there were scores of empty seats.
“This is one of a kind. I’ve been a member for five years and in the early days it was pretty miserable and people would laugh at me but I’m a diehard Bulldogs supporter,” Kamal Kotb told foxsports.com.au.
“So through thick and thin I’ve always come and there’d be hardly anyone here but seeing a crowd of people out there today, it’s fascinating.
“I’m proud, excited for the future and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve this year.
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“I would have been glad to be in the top four and that was my expectation early on, especially with the roster and the way it was. I was hoping for the top four but being number one and being up there on our own is credit to the boys and their hard work.
“The Friday clash has always been historically a big one throughout the years. So there’s a great rivalry now, I think between us and the Rabbitos. That being said, it’s a great day and obviously our performance throughout the year, everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon, everyone’s here to support the team.”
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Rabbitohs member Mick Burke said it was great to see the Dogs doing well again and the rivalry as healthy as it had been in years.
“We always come on Good Friday. This is an away game and my mate Roy here is a Bulldog, so he got us the tickets today,” he said.
“The crowd is massive. I suppose it’s a holiday day. You’ve got the Easter show. No work tomorrow so everyone’s having a good time.
“I’m delighted with Wayne being back. He’s very solid. He can look after the players. He’s a man manager… but these boys are top of the table so we’re up against it.”
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