NRL 2024: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium set for more security ahead of Dragons vs. Bulldogs clash

Police are set to conduct a high visibility operation warning fans to be on their best behaviour for the Dragons’ sellout clash against Canterbury in the wake of wild Bulldogs celebrations last weekend.

A sleeping giant of the NRL is awake as Bulldogs fans party after beating Canberra at Belmore.

NSW police will conduct a high visibility operation, warning fans to be on their best behavior at St George Illawarra’s blockbuster clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

The St George Police Area Command will beef up police presence on Saturday night with a sell-out crowd of 18,000 people expected to pack Netstrata Jubilee Oval.

Superintendent Paul Dunston said the added police presence was to ensure the security and safety of spectators, players and officials and curb anti-social behaviour.

“While we expect the passion and emotions of the spectators to be heightened, please remember to be considerate of others and cheer on your teams respectfully,” Supt Dunstan said.

“Those who choose to act inappropriately will be dealt with promptly; this could mean ejection from the stadium and/or banning notices, with fines, or even criminal charges.”

The neighbouring NRL clubs are fierce rivals on the field and the highly-anticipated clash is expected to come with a finals-like intensity.

But officials from both clubs are not expecting any crowd issues from their large and passionate supporter bases.

On Wednesday, Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton lashed badly behaved Bulldogs after a group of Canterbury supporters were filmed accosting Canberra drummer Simon Tayoun.

“While we celebrate the passion of fans like Simon and our own, it is crucial to remember that passion does not justify unacceptable behaviour,” Warbuton said.

“The club is deeply disappointed by the behaviour of a small group of individuals in the aftermath of our match against the Raiders, particularly concerning the treatment of Simon. Simon is a dedicated and passionate supporter of his team. As a club, we have long valued the enthusiasm of our supporters who we widely believe are some of the most passionate in the game.

“We would like to remind all fans that respect is a fundamental value of our game.”

The Bulldogs have since identified and interviewed the culprits as part of on-going investigations into the incident.

@PhilGould15 This is Simon the Canberra Raiders drummer being harassed by Bulldogs fans after the game.
Simon is so upset about this being verbally abused and at one point being knocked to the ground. 35 years supporting his team at away games this is the worst ever. pic.twitter.com/IbymSkbyFN

— troy worner (@troypod78) August 4, 2024

The incident occured after Bulldogs fans had spilled onto the streets surrounding Belmore Sportsground to celebrate the side’s victory against the Raiders.

Canterbury supporters had spilt out of Belmore Sports Ground and onto the surrounding streets to celebrate the side’s victory. 

Footage that was widely shared on social media, showed a Canterbury fan trying to knock Tayoun over as he carried a drum, which he takes to every Raiders game, as others heckled him.

Tayoun, who is one of Canberra’s most recognisable fans, claimed he was also struck in the head during the incident.

Tayoun was invited back to Belmore and met with Aaron Warburton on Tuesday.

The Raiders drummer has amassed a cult following among fans for carrying a giant drum at Canberra games and leading the ‘Viking Clap’ after wins.

The NRL said it would continue to work with all clubs and police to ensure the game day experience is safe and positive for all fans.