Canterbury Bulldogs could play games at Belmore if coronavirus NRL fan shut-out continues

The prospect of NRL fans being locked out of games for an extended period could lead Canterbury to playing more fixtures at the club’s spiritual home.

Bulldog's James Graham and team walk out to start the back to Belmore NRL game between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Cronulla Sharks at Belmore Oval.Picture Gregg Porteous

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Canterbury will explore the prospect of moving their home games to Belmore if fans are locked out of venues long-term.

The Bulldogs will become the first club to host a match behind closed doors when they play North Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night.

While that match will remain at the Sydney Olympic Park venue, Bulldogs boss Andrew Hill said that club was exploring the possibility of switching games to Belmore Sports Ground should the lockouts continue.

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Belmore remains the club’s spiritual home. Photo: Gregg Porteous

“The advice regarding the lockouts only came through late on Friday afternoon,” Hill said. “After talking to ANZ Stadium management we will go ahead with our first game at the venue on Thursday. However we will review all options which will include the potential of using Belmore Sports Grounds in future matches as a possibility.

“We are one of the few clubs who have that opportunity.”

The Bulldogs are slated to play a round 10 match against Manly at Belmore already. Because they already play at the venue there would be no issues with television broadcasts. While the Bulldogs train at the venue full-time.

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Canterbury boss Andrew Hill is exploring the club’s options. Photo: Rohan Kelly

Following their round two clash against the Cowboys on Thursday, the Bulldogs are not slated for another home game until round four where they are due to host the Sharks at ANZ Stadium. They will play Parramatta at the venue on April 18.

“We are clearly the first home team to play on Thursday,” Hill said. “It will be a significant financial hit to our club ranging in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. We wait advice from the government and the NRL around possible compensation. However our clear focus at this stage is still preparing for a game of football.”

Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs could play games at Belmore if coronavirus NRL fan shut-out continues