http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/the...n-draw-on-monday/story-e6frf3ou-1227155079674
THE wait is finally over.
After an excruciatingly long process, the NRL is expected to release the 2015 season draw on Monday.
And if you’re a Canterbury fan, it has been worth the wait.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Bulldogs will return to their spiritual home of Belmore Oval next year in a Sydney derby against the Cronulla Sharks on a Sunday afternoon in July.
The move back to the ground the Bulldogs last called home in 1998 will coincide with the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
The Back to Belmore match is one of the highlights of the 2015 draw, which will also reveal:
■ All 26 Sunday afternoon matches will be shown live on Nine and Fox Sports in 2015;
■ The first three Sunday matches of the season to be shown on Nine will be: Penrith v Canterbury (round one), South Sydney v the Roosters and Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers;
■ The season will begin on Thursday night, March 5 with premiers South Sydney taking on Wayne Bennett’s Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
News of the Bulldogs’ Back To Belmore match will evoke fond memories for not just Canterbury fans, but rival supporters who can recall watching the magic of the Mortimer brothers, Terry Lamb slot a field goal when trailing by two points against the Newcastle Knights and the day former Bulldogs hooker Mark Budgen broke Sharks captain Steve Rogers’ jaw in 1985.
The match will also be loaded with extra spice with former Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis and 2012 Dally M winner Ben Barba returning to Belmore to take on their former teammates.
An excited Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle said it will be a special day for the club and its members.
“We know it will be an extremely special occasion for everyone associated with the club and the community,’’ Castle said.
“It will be a big year of celebrations where we will look back at the proud history of this club and it will all come together at the family friendly time on a Sunday afternoon (at Belmore Oval).
“I know that all the players and coaching staff will be excited about the opportunity to play an official NRL match at the spiritual home of the Bulldogs to show respect for the many great battles of years gone by.’’
Meanwhile, NRL chief executive Dave Smith confirmed the live coverage of all Sunday afternoon matches yesterday.
“Channel Nine will show Sunday games live throughout the season so fans will see every minute of the game as it happens,’’ Smith said.
“It means NRL games will be shown live on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in 2015.”
