NRL 2024: Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton issues plea to NSW Police over Belmore parties

Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has a message to NSW Police as Canterbury prepares for wild celebrates should the club win through the NRL grand final qualifier.

Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton has pleaded with NSW Police not to fine Bulldogs fans should they celebrate a victory against Manly through the streets of Belmore on Sunday.

Passionate Bulldogs supporters have been routinely taking to Burwood Road in Belmore to bask in the club’s success in 2024, beating drums, chanting and honking car horns.

It’s been eight years since Bulldogs have had a reason to smile with Sunday’s do-or-die clash against the Sea Eagles marking the club’s first finals appearance since 2016.

But the street parties have also landed some fans in ­trouble with NSW Police.

Fans are being hit with $400 fines, and three demerit points, for honking their car horns, which has become an unofficial meeting point for Bulldogs faithful after matches.

“Yeah, I think so,” Crichton said when asked if NSW Police should reconsider issuing fines.

“The celebrations don’t come with any ill intentions. They have been coming out in the past few weeks to get behind us, it’s been crazy to see.

Canterbury Bulldogs fans have been out in force during their resurgence this season. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Our fans had some hard years before this one and all the boys love the fact they have a reason to be smiling this year. But we respect the police have a job to do.”

The club has been in contact with NSW Police about the celebrations since Canberra drummer Simon Tayoun was accosted on Burwood Road after the Raiders match in round 22. Despite the large number of fans spilling onto the streets regularly, there have been no other unsavoury incidents ­reported.

Emilio Bounassif, a long time Canterbury supporter, is hopeful of some leniency.

“A $400 fine for beeping a horn? Are you serious?” he said. “I would never be against the cops doing their job, we welcome the police being there for safety reasons. But they should cut us fans some slack,” he said. “If we make the grand final, I’m going to be camping out on Burwood Road all week.”

Bill Hanna, a Bankstown local, echoed the same sentiment.

“When the Dogs are in the top eight, everyone knows people are going to be on Burwood Road honking their horns, beating the drums,” he said.

Stephen Crichton will lead the club into the elimination final against Manly. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“They are enforcing the law but we haven’t been in the finals for eight years.

“Let us have our moment.”

Local junior and Canterbury star Jacob Kiraz revealed he was once that fanatical Bulldogs fan that hit the streets of Belmore during the side’s grand final runs in 2012 and 2014.

“I remember in 2012 and 2014 my dad used to say, ‘Let’s go for a drive through Burwood Road’ during grand final week. It was buzzing,” Kiraz said.

“When I see it, it’s a throwback to those memories. I know what it’s like. I was once that kid.

“We have the best fans in the world, we are truly grateful for sticking by us over the last couple of years and to see them happy now, it makes us happy.”