Jobaaj Stories
Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs: A Record-Breaking Good Friday Massacre
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs delivered a stunning 32-0 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Good Friday, setting a new attendance record for a standalone NRL regular-season game and etching their names into the club's history books. A record-breaking 65,305 fans witnessed the Bulldogs' dominant performance, exceeding the previous high by over 5,000.
A Historic Shutout
This wasn't just any win; it marked the first time in Canterbury's 90-year history that they achieved back-to-back shutouts. Coach Cameron Ciraldo described the day as "very special," highlighting the immense fan support and the team's unwavering dedication. The Bulldogs' defense was impenetrable, holding the Rabbitohs scoreless despite being reduced to 12 men for a period.
Rabbitohs Struggle Under the Bulldogs Onslaught
The Rabbitohs faced an uphill battle from the start, struggling with possession (a 60-40% deficit in favour of the Bulldogs) and key injuries. Euan Aitken's sin-binning and Lachlan Hubner's head knock further hampered their efforts. Star player Latrell Mitchell also had a quiet game, further contributing to South Sydney's disappointing performance. Tries from Josh Curran, Max King (breaking an 80-game try-scoring drought), Sitili Tupouniua, Jacob Preston, and Bronson Xerri sealed the victory for the Bulldogs.
Post-Match Incident Mars the Celebration
While the Bulldogs celebrated their historic win, a post-match incident involving South Sydney's Jai Arrow and a Canterbury fan cast a shadow over the celebrations. Reports indicate Arrow reacted to heckling from the crowd, leading to intervention from South Sydney officials and police. The NRL is yet to comment on the incident.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs' impressive 6-0 start to the season solidifies their position at the top of the NRL ladder. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs will look to bounce back from their second consecutive loss as they face the Melbourne Storm next. The Good Friday clash will undoubtedly be remembered for its record-breaking crowd and the Bulldogs' dominant display, though the post-match incident serves as a reminder of the passionate emotions surrounding the game.
