Triumph and Turbulence: 1995-2004 /

With the competition undergoing its most turbulent period, the Club experienced both the highs and lows of Rugby League in its seventh decade. 

Two Premiership victories, the Super League War, the retirement and emergence of Club legends and the Sydney Olympic Games made for a uniquely entertaining period. 

• 1995 - The Underdogs
• 1996 - Bye Bye Baa
• 1997 - Enter The Super League
• 1998 - On Cloud Ninth
• 1999 - Ricky and Clyde
• 2000 - New Millennium Blues
• 2001 - A Strange Odyssey
• 2002 - The World Comes Crashing Down
• 2003 - The Rebuild Begins
• 2004 - Redemption and Vindication

1995 - The Underdogs

Season 1995 provided the very best and some of the very worst moments in the Club's illustrious history. To finish as it did with a Premiership underlined the quality and tenacity of the Bulldogs spirit.

The Club made two major decisions ahead of kick-off; the first to change the Club's name to the 'Sydney Bulldogs', and the other to move home games to Parramatta Stadium. Neither of which would last, reverting back to Canterbury-Bankstown and Belmore Sports Ground in 1996. 

With the Super League war looming and the loss of four key members of the squad - Dean Pay, Jim Dymock, Jason Smith and Jarrod McCracken - the Bulldogs faced disaster.

Head Coach Chris Anderson made his intentions clear: "There was a heavy atmosphere around at the time and an atmosphere of not being together, but we never tried to hide the problem. I got on with trying to win football games."

While The Family Club had a chink in its armour, they prided themselves on its tight unity, ability to withstand storms, face up to realities and get on with life. And that is exactly what they did. 

Following a horror 42-nil loss to Newcastle in Round 13, CEO Peter Moore took charge, taking the playing squad on a harbour cruise to ease tensions.

He mustered his troops with a stirring Churchillian-like speech, highlighting the significant of Terry Lamb's final year in the top grade.

Terry's downstairs at the moment and because of him we have more money and more great memories. We owe him the right to hold the Winfield Cup on his last game. Think about it. Let's get back to doing what we do best. Let's do it for Terry.

His full speech lasted three minutes, and it was the prologue to a remarkable story that would have the perfect ending.

A three match streak ensued, losing only two of the remaining 13 matches of the season, including the Club's biggest win - a 66-4 thrashing of the Cowboys at Belmore in the final round.  

As they had done so in previous finals campaigns, the Bulldogs lifted the intensity; they defeated old foes St George 12-8 in a dramatic victory at the SFS, before knocking out heavyweights Brisbane 24-10. 

Perhaps the sweetest victory came in the Preliminary Final, where the side avenged their Grand Final defeat from the previous year against the Canberra Raiders in style, 25-6. Afterwards Moore simply stated: "That was one of our great wins." 

The miracle concluded against Minor Premiers Manly, who were runaway favourites after just two losses throughout the season. 

But in the 17-4 boilover, the Sea Eagles' only points came from penalty goals in the first half, with the Bulldogs defensive masterclass keeping them try-less for the only time that season.

Young forward Steve Price opened the scoring off the back of some well-timed offloads, Glen Hughes finished off a movement on the left with his first touch of the ball, while scintillating fullback Rod Silva sealed the result next to the posts. 

While Lamb eventually went around again one more time, doing so now as a Premiership Captain, the year also marked the final one for Moore, ending a wonderful 26-year tenure that saw the Club capture five titles from 1980. 

Season Snapshot: 

• All Black John Timu, Rod Silva and Fiji international James Pickering joined the Club. 
• The Club made two major marketing decisions in the pre-season; a name change to the 'Sydney Bulldogs', and a move to Parramatta Stadium for home games.
• The Club aligned itself to the Super League, with a majority of players and Head Coach Chris Anderson signing to the breakaway competition. 
• Following three straight victories to open the season, the season looked like slipping away with just three wins in the followings seven rounds. 
• Four players; Jarrod McCracken, Jim Dymock, Jason Smith and Dean Pay reneged on their Super League contracts to sign with the ARL. 
• After demoralising defeats to Parramatta (22-16) and Newcastle (42-nil), a harbour cruise for the playing group was organised CEO Peter Moore and Head Coach Chris Anderson, paying dividends with the side winning seven of their final nine regular-season matches.  
• The Bulldogs returned to Belmore in the final round to send off Club legend Terry Lamb in his final regular season match, celebrating in style with a 66-4 thumping, a record margin that remains to this day. 
• In the competition's first Top 8 Finals Series, the Bulldogs finished in sixth position.
• The first semi-final saw the Bulldogs meet St George, prevailing 12-8 on a rainy Sydney Football Stadium. 
• After defeating Brisbane in a convincing 24-10 win, the Bulldogs avenged their defeat the previous season against the Canberra Raiders, qualifying for a second consecutive Grand Final and a meeting with Manly with a 25-6 win. 
• Coming up against the Minor Premiers, Chris Anderson's side prevailed in a famous 17-4 victory, consigning the Sea Eagles to just their third loss all season. 
• Captain Terry Lamb lifted the Premiership trophy in what was billed as his final first-grade match, bringing the Bulldogs' tally to a record four Winfield Cups.
• Lock Jim Dymock claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as Man of the Match. 
• The season marked the final year for Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore as the Club's CEO. Following a tenure of 26 years that included five Premierships, Moore joined the Super League organisation the following season. 
• Both the reserve grade and under 21s teams failed to qualify for the finals. 

Debutants: John Timu, Darrien Doherty, Robert Tocco, James Pickering, Orisi Cavuilati, Peter Wheeler, Kris Tassell, Barry Berrigan, Rod Silva, Stan Tulevu

1996 - Bye Bye Baa

The loss of Jarrod McCracken, Jim Dymock, Jason Smith & Dean Pay to Parramatta, Brett Dallas to Norths and Jason Williams to Penrith was certainly a test of the Club's depth. 

Coupled with the departure of enigmatic CEO Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore after 26 years, as well as the ongoing Super League conflict, many believed that season 1996 looked to be a lost cause. 

However, there was hope; the astute appointment of former player and Head Coach Bob Hagan as CEO was bolstered by the return of Captain Terry Lamb, who selflessly put his retirement plans on hold to help the fledgling side navigate their way 

While Simon Gillies was appointed the side's new Captain following the initial news of Lamb's retirement, the star five-eighth gave the side plenty of direction and leadership. 

Following months in the courtroom, the Super League vs ARL war took another turn on March 11, with the Federal Court formalising the orders banning the Super League competition until the year 2000.  

As a sign of protest, the Club, including its Super League-aligned contemporaries, forfeited their Round 1 match. 

The off-field ongoings and mass departures coupled with a Premiership hangover did seem to have an affect on the side, with a poor start to the season leading to just a single win in the opening eight rounds.

There was, however, a highlight in the midst, with future Hall of Famer Hazem El Masri making his first-grade debut in the Round 2 match against the Sydney Tigers.

While a mid-season four-match winning streak gave some promise, Canterbury had to accept a tenth-placed finish, even after the side finished with a wet sail, claiming victory in their last five contests.

However, the final round promised to be one of the most famous moments of the decade.

Twelve months after initially playing his final regular season match, Lamb took the field for the final time in Blue and White at Belmore Sports Ground, conducting a clinical 50-22 victory against the North Queensland Cowboys.

At home and in front of a raucous crowd, it was a fitting farewell for one of the Club's favourite sons. 

The biggest news of the year ironically came after the boots had been hung up, with initial orders from the Federal Court overturned in October, allowing News Limited to finally conduct their ten-team Super League competition for the 1997 season. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Following the departure of CEO Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore, former player and Head Coach Bob Hagan took the reins. 
• The Club reverted back to 'Canterbury-Bankstown' and returned to Belmore Sports Ground for the season. 
• Despite the departures of a host of star players, Club Legend Terry Lamb made the decision to backflip on his retirement, while duo Scott Hill and Shane Marteene signed for the Club. 
• Simon Gillies was appointed Captain, with the forward retaining the role following Lamb's return. 
• Following months in the courtroom, the Super League vs ARL war took another turn on March 11, with the Federal Court formalising the orders banning the Super League competition until the year 2000.  
• Super League-aligned clubs forfeited their Round 1 matches. Two days later, the Federal Court blocked any moves for a breakaway competition, with players reluctantly returning to the ARL competition. 
• It was a poor start to the season for the Bulldogs with just one win from eight matches. 
• Local junior and future Bulldogs Hall of Fame inductee Hazem El Masri made his first-grade debut in Round 2 against the Sydney Tigers. 
• Despite a strong second half of the season that saw ten wins from the final thirteen matches, the Bulldogs failed to qualify for the finals, finishing in tenth position. 
• Twelve months after initially playing his final regular season match, the great Terry Lamb played his final ever match for the Club in Round 22 at Belmore Sports Ground against the North Queensland Cowboys. After playing every single match of the season, Lamb conducted the Bulldogs to one last victory, a 50-22 win. 
• In October 1996, the initial orders from the Federal Court were overturned, freeing News Limited to conduct a ten-team Super League competition in 1997.
• The reserve grade side failed to qualify for the finals, while there was no under 21s competition held. 

Debutants: Hazem El Masri, Jason Lidden, Damien Ford, Tony Grimaldi, Andy Marinos, Shane Marteene, Michael Smith, Brett Clements, Scott Hill, Kevin Schraader

1997 - Enter The Super League

After two long and arduous years in the courtrooms, the Super League competition officially kicked off in 1997.

Joining the Bulldogs were Cronulla, Penrith, Canberra, Brisbane, North Queensland, Auckland and Perth, while new franchises the Hunter Mariners and Adelaide Rams joined the ten-team competition, while the remainder of the sides remained with the now twelve-team Australian Rugby League.

Despite facing a new competition format, the Bulldogs stuck solid to their up and coming squad, notable additions being Solomon Haumono via Manly and promising youngster Travis Norton.

The introduction of a mid-season World Club Challenge competition; which saw both Australian and English teams play one another, made for an inconsistent season, despite four wins from six games. 

While the Bulldogs had a much improved year finishing fourth (in a top five finals system), the year ended in heartbreak with a 15-14 defeat to the Penrith Panthers, ending their post-season campaign after just one week. 

Big change was just around the corner for the Club as the new millennium approached; Steve Folkes' Reserve Grade side claimed the Premiership, while the two warring factions agreed to end the war and comprise a 20-team National Rugby League competition for the 1998 season. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Following two years in the courtrooms, the Super League competition officially kicked off, with Canterbury joined by Cronulla, Penrith, Canberra, Brisbane, North Queensland, Auckland and Perth, with new franchises the Hunter Mariners and Adelaide Rams joining the ten-team competition. 
• The remaining sides from 1996 competed in the twelve-team ARL competition.
• Despite entering a new competition, the Bulldogs opted against going to the player maret, signing Solomon Haumono from Manly, as well as promising youngsters including Travis Norton. 
• The season proved to be inconsistent, much due to the Super League introducing the mid-season World Club Challenge tournament. The Bulldogs performed reasonably with four wins from six games. 
• The Bulldogs finished in fourth position, qualifying for the Top Five finals series, eliminated by Penrith in the first week at Belmore Sports Ground, 15-14. 
• Matt Ryan and Simon Gillies represented New South Wales while Solomon Haumono representing New South Wales and Australia in the Super League Tri Series.
• Club Legend Steve Folkes coached the reserve grade side to the Premiership, defeating the Auckland Warriors 40-12 in the Grand Final. The under 19s side finished semi-finalists.
• In December, the two warring factions agreed to join forces and comprise a 20-team competition for the 1998 season, with the governing body now known as the National Rugby League (NRL). 

Debutants: Travis Norton, Solomon Haumono, Duncan McRae, Robert Mears, Paul Mellor

1998 - On Cloud Ninth

With a united front and 20 teams challenging for the Premiership, few could have predicted the incredible run of form from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

Coming off a Reserve Grade Premiership, Club Legend Steve Folkes was appointed Head Coach following the departure of Chris Anderson to new franchise Melbourne after eight seasons at the helm.

While few could be excited about the season after just one win from five matches, a strong turnaround in form ensued, with Folkes making the decision to appoint Darren Britt after Round 10. 

A final round stand off against the Illawarra Steelers in Round 24 saw the Bulldogs' fate in their own hands, with a famous 25-24 victory thanks to a Craig Polla-Mounter field goal cementing a ninth-place finish in the new Top Ten finals series. 

What happened next had even the most ardent of supporters surprised.

The team's magic run began with a gutsy 12-8 defeat of St George at Kogarah after training 12-nil. 

Then, a 23-2 thumping of North Sydney was followed by a 100-minute epic against powerhouse Newcastle Knights - overcoming a 16-nil deficit to claim an extra-time 28-16 win that Steve Folkes described as 'the gutsiest I have been involved in'. 

But it was the 1998 Preliminary Final performance that has remained in the hearts and minds of Canterbury supporters decades on.

Facing bitter rivals Parramatta at the Sydney Football Stadium for a spot in the Grand Final - a scenario thought impossible just weeks prior - the crowd of 36,841 witnessed a Rugby League miracle.

Trailing 18-2 with just ten minutes remaining, the Bulldogs fired with Polla-Mounter, Rod Silva and Willie Talau all crossing to bridge the gap to just two points with three minutes on the clock.

Left with the equalising conversion, sharpshooter Daryl Halligan nailed the pressure kick from the sideline, sending the match into an unprecedented extra time.

With the wind behind their backs, Folkes' side went one with two more tries to claim an unbelievable 32-20 victory, booking a spot in the decider against heavyweights Brisbane. Folkes cheekily labelled the win as 'the gutsiest since last week'.

Unfortunately, the fairytale run ended in disappointing fashion; after taking a 12-10 lead at half-time thanks to tries to Tony Grimaldi and Willie Talau - their highly favoured opponents dominated the second half to win 38-12. 

But despite their defeat, the Bulldogs of 1998 earned plenty of praise for their fairytale run, taking plenty of confidence into the final season of the 20th century. 

Season Snapshot: 

• The season marked the first under the united National Rugby League (NRL) featuring 20 teams, with seventeen teams for 1999 and fourteen teams for the year 2000. The Perth Reds, Hunter Mariners and South Queensland Crushers proved to be casualties, while the Melbourne Storm, under News Ltd were born. 
• Following a Reserve Grade Premiership win in 1997, Club Legend Steve Folkes was appointed Head Coach following the departure of Chris Anderson to Melbourne.  
• Despite one win from the opening five matches, the Bulldogs recovered to win five of their next seven games from Round 12. 
• Darren Britt took over the Captaincy role during the winning run. 
• Three consecutive victories between Round 21-23 set up a crucial last round showdown with the Illawarra Steelers in Wollongong, cementing themselves in the new top ten finals system in ninth position after a hard-fought victory capped off with a Craig Polla-Mounter field goal. 
• Despite the media doubting their chances, the Bulldogs fought their way back from a 12-nil deficit after as many minutes against St George at Kogarah to record a 20-12 victory. 
• A win over the fifth-placed Bears at North Sydney saw the Bulldogs power through 23-2, before upsetting the second-placed defending ARL Premiers Newcastle Knights, overcoming a 16-nil deficit to claim an extra-time 28-16 win that Steve Folkes described as 'the gutsiest I have been involved in'. 
• One of the greatest and most memorable victories in the Club's history occurred in the Preliminary Final against Parramatta; a 100-minute epic saw the Bulldogs fight back from 18-2 down with ten minutes remaining before storming home 32-20. Daryl Halligan's boot proved to be the equaliser before regulation time, while Steve Folkes wittily described the match as 'the gutsiest win since last week'.
• The Reserve Grade side claimed a 26-22 win over the Parramatta Eels in their Grand Final. 
• After taking a 12-10 lead at the break, the Bulldogs were overpowered in the 1998 NRL Grand Final, with the Brisbane Broncos running out 38-12 winners.

Debutants: Greg Fleming, Troy Stone, Gavin Lester, Matua Parkinson, Trent Runciman, Willie Talau, Corey Hughes, David Thompson 

1999 - Ricky and Clyde

With the acquisition of legendary Canberra duo Bradley Clyde and Ricky Stuart as well as the return of Darren Smith from Brisbane, there was plenty of optimism off the back of a legendary run to the Grand Final. 

That optimism was warranted following a seven-game mid-season winning streak, although an inconsistent finish saw the Bulldogs finish in fifth position in the newly formed top eight final series. 

But after prevailing 12-8 over the flashy Sydney City Roosters, the Bulldogs found themselves out of the competition in just the second week after a controversial and disappointing 24-22 defeat of eventual Premiers, Melbourne. 

There was, however, reason to celebrate at Belmore, with the under 19s side claiming the Premiership, while their reserve grade counterparts did finish in the semi-finals. 

Season Snapshot: 

• After a magnificent finish in 1998 season, the Club acquired the services of Canberra International duo Bradley Clyde and Ricky Stuart, as well as the return of Darren Smith via Brisbane. 
• After three wins from the opening six matches, a seven-game winning streak got the Club back on track, however an inconsistent finish saw them finish in fifth position in the newly formed top eight finals series.
• After prevailing 12-8 over the Sydney City Roosters, the Bulldogs were defeated by the Melbourne Storm 24-22 in a close encounter, ending their hopes of reaching the Grand Final. 
• The under 19s side won the Premiership, while the reserve grade side finished as semi-finalists. 
• The NRL introduced the McIntyre Finals system for the first time. 
• With St George and Illawarra forming a joint venture and the omission of the Adelaide Rams and the Gold Coast Chargers, the NRL competition in 1999 featured seventeen teams. 

Debutants: Ricky Stuart, Bradley Clyde, Adam Perry, Dennis Scott, Brent Sherwin, Jamie Feeney, Adam Peek

2000 - New Millennium Blues

While the year 2000 was equally feared and celebrated by those across the world, the changing landscape of the game and the Sydney Olympics had quite the influence on the NRL season.

Now in a fourteen-team competition, which saw a February kick-off thanks to the Olympics, the Bulldogs had a slow start that saw the side fail to post a try in their opening two matches.

Despite a three-match winning streak ensuing, a poor finish ended in an eleventh-placed finish. While they sustained a heavy injury toll, Head Coach Steven Folkes refused to make excuses, conducting an in-depth review at the end of the season.

The year had its fair share of events; Daryl Halligan took ownership as the competition's highest point scorer, breaking Parramatta legend Mick Cronin's record in Round 20 against Canberra. 

Any doubt of the Bulldogs prediction line was allayed with both reserve grade and under 19s sides claiming Premiership victories. Dual wins over eventual Grand Finalists the Sydney Roosters in Round 4 and Round 17 were just two more highlights. 

In sombre news, the Club lost two of its finest administrators.

Legendary supremo Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore passing away at the age of 68 following a long battle with cancer, while Football Manager Alan Nelson suddenly passed away. 

Season Snapshot: 

• In the off season the Bulldogs didn’t go out into the marketplace to attract players they were happy with the squad they had.
• A slow start to the season saw the Bulldogs lose both opening matches, failing to score a try. 
• Three wins in a row from Round 3-5 gave some hope, however a poor finish saw the side win only seven matches and claiming a draw to finish in eleventh place. 
• Daryl Halligan broke the competition's all-time point scoring record with a try in the Round 
• Highlights included Premiership victories in both reserve grade and the under 19s competition, as well as dual wins over Grand Finalists the Sydney Roosters in Round 4 (32-12) and Round 17 (22-16). 
• Two sad moments occurred during the season, with both Club supremo and former CEO Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore Football Manager Alan Nelson passing away. 
• Due to the Sydney Olympic Games being held in September, the season proper kicked off in February, ending in late August. 
• The NRL competition in 2000 was reduced to fourteen teams. Balmain and Western Suburbs amalgamated to the Wests Tigers, Manly and North Sydney formed the Northern Eagles, while South Sydney were unable to pass the NRL's criteria and were excluded from the competition. 

Debutants: Shane Perry, Nathan Sologinkin, Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Justin Murphy

2001- A Strange Odyssey

Following their end-of-season review after a disappointing campaign in 2000, Steve Folkes and the Club's recruitment signed trio Luke Patten, Nigel Vagana and Brett Howland in a bid to inject speed into the backline.

There were some major losses to the side, however, with Ricky Stuart and Daryl Halligan retiring, while Bradley Clyde headed to the northern hemisphere in a bid to continue his illustrious career. 

But the additions proved to offset the departures as a strong start to the season with four wins and a draw propelled the side to a second-place finish, which included a win and a draw over eventual Premiers Newcastle. 

Unfortunately the year came crashing down in inauspicious circumstances, a surprise loss to seventh-place St George Illawarra in the first week of finals, before being knocked out of the finals series at the hands of Cronulla following a heavy injury toll. 

Although the season ended in a disappointing fashion, a new generation of Bulldog impressed, notably five-eighth Braith Anasta claiming Rookie of the Year honours and earning selection for the Ashes Series, while young tyro Willie Mason stood tall in the forward pack. 

Another key change also saw winger Hazem El Masri take over the goal-kicking duties from Halligan for the first time, impressing with 270 points from nineteen tries and 97 goals. 

Stuart also made a successful transition into the coaching ranks, guiding the under 19s side to an emphatic Premiership victory. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Looking for speed in the backline, the Club signed Luke Patten, Nigel Vagana and Brett Howland.
• Ricky Stuart and Daryl Halligan retired, while Bradley Clyde departed for the UK. 
• Hazem El Masri took over goal kicking duties on a full-time basis. 
• With four wins and a draw in their opening five matches, the Bulldogs' consistent start to the season earned a second-place finish. 
• A surprise loss (23-22) to seventh-place St George Illawarra, the injury-hit Bulldogs exited from the competition following a 52-10 defeat at the hands of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. 
• Highlights of the year included the rise of young guns Braith Anasta and Willie Mason, an undefeated run against eventual Premiers Newcastle as well as a Premiership for the under 19s side, coached by Ricky Stuart. 
• The reserve grade side failed to qualify for the finals series. 

Debutants: Luke Patten, Nigel Vagana, Brett Howland, Paul Rauhihi, Darrell Trindall, Royce Simms

2002 - The World Comes Crashing Down

With the departure of tough-as-teak Captain Dean Britt to the European Super League, fellow forward Steve Price was inducted as the side's next skipper.

Tony Grimaldi also made a return from his stint in the UK, while future fan favourite Mark 'Ogre' O'Meley signed via the Northern Eagles. 

Following a disappointing opening round loss to the Wests Tigers and a draw against Brisbane, the Bulldogs went on an unprecedented run of seventeen straight victories, setting a Club record for consecutive victories.

The period also saw the likes of Matt Utai, Ben Harris and Johnathan Thurston make their first-grade debut, while Nigel Vagana created his own piece of history in Round 4 by becoming just the second player to record five tries in a match for the Club.

In Round 22, the Bulldogs' scintillating winning streak did come to an end, however, with a 22-14 defeat at the hands of the New Zealand Warriors.

However, no one could prepare the Rugby League world for what was to happen next.

On Saturday, August 17 - considered the darkest day in the Club's proud history - the Sydney Morning Herald broke news of a salary cap breach for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

Following admission from the Club's hierarchy, CEO Bob Hagan and the Board of Directors resigned immediately.

In one of the Club's most turbulent periods, former on-field champions Steve Mortimer and George Peponis answered the call, taking over as CEO and Chairman respectively.

However, the NRL did not yield in their punishment; one of great severity: the 2002 Bulldogs were deducted of all 37 of their accumulated competition points, while the Club was fined $500,000 for their actions.

Consigned to the bottom of the table, it ended all hope of what could have been in 2002.

While media and paparazzi swarmed training sessions, proving a major distraction for the playing group, Members and supporters continued their ardent support for the side.

That proved to be enough motivation for the team to win two of their last three matches, ending the season with a famous victory over Brisbane to deny the Broncos the Minor Premiership in emotional scenes. 

Just as they had eyes on a Premiership title months prior, the Club now faced the prospect of rebuilding their roster and reputation ahead of the 2003 season. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Captain Darren Britt left the Bulldogs to play in the Super League, however the Club, signed promising Mark O’Meley from the Northern Eagles as his replacement, while Tony Grimaldi, a member of the 1998 Grand Final side, returned. 
• Forward Steve Price was appointed the side's Captain. 
• The side went on an unprecedented seventeen-match winning streak from Round 3, bested only by the 1975 Eastern Suburbs Roosters nineteen-match run in 1975. 
• Talented youngsters Matt Utai, Ben Harris and Johnathan Thurston made their first-grade debuts throughout the winning run. 
• In Round 4 against South Sydney, Nigel Vagana equalled a 61-year-old Club record by scoring five tries in a single match, joining Edgar Newham who completed the feat in 1942. 
• The side's scintillating string of victories came to an end in Round 22, defeated 22-14 by eventual Minor Premiers and Grand Finalists, the New Zealand Warriors.
• Saturday, August 17 - considered the darkest day in the Club's proud history - the Sydney Morning Herald broke news of a salary cap breach for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Following admission from the Club's hierarchy, CEO Bob Hagan and the Board of Directors resigned immediately.
• Club Legends Steve Mortimer (CEO) and George Peponis (Chairman) stepped in, while a new board was appointed. 
• The punishment from the NRL saw the deduction of all 37 accumulated competition points, as well as a $500,000 fine, resulting in a last-place finish.
• Winning two of their last three matches following emotionally-charged performances, the Bulldogs claimed a famous victory in Round 26 against Brisbane.  
• There was reason to celebrate, however, with the reserve grade side claiming the Premiership, while the under 19s side finished as finalists. 
• Foundation Club South Sydney were readmitted, making the 2002 NRL season a fifteen-team competition. 

Debutants: Mark O'Meley, Ben Harris, Matt Utai, Glenn Hall, Johnathan Thurston, Todd Polglase, Roy Asotasi, Adam Brideson

2003 - The Rebuild Begins

Following a challenging off-season, the Club was forced to make some tough decisions around retention and recruitment.

Favourite son Darren Smith left for the Super League, while Paul Rauhihi (Cowboys), Darrell Trindall (Retirement) and Willie Talau (Super League, mid-season) departed. 

The remainder of the playing group banded together, agreeing to take pay cuts in order to be salary cap compliant. 

One key addition was made, however, with the signing of NSW representative Andrew Ryan from Parramatta. 

An inconsistent start to the season with three wins from seven matches might have given the wrong impression; because the Bulldogs clicked into gear to win thirteen of their remaining seventeen matches to cement a solid third-place finish.

The period included record wins in a six-match win streak from Round 17 to Round 23, scoring a mammoth 298 points, averaging an unthinkable 49.6 per match. 

The finals, however, proved to be a different story; beginning a shock 48-22 defeat to 2002 runners up the Warriors, before bouncing back in style with a 30-nil thumping of Melbourne.

The biggest task came against defending Premiers the Sydney Roosters in the Preliminary Final - a match widely dubbed as 'the match that never was', alluding to the fact both sides were favourites to meet in the 2002 decider.

In a match that had plenty of emotional attachment, ultimately the Roosters prevailed 28-18, with the Bulldogs falling short on the scoreboard, but not in the hearts and minds of their supporters after a gallant season. 

Season Snapshot: 

• Following a challenging off-season, the Club was forced to make some tough decisions for their playing roster in order to stay under the salary cap; including the departure of Darren Smith, Paul Rauhihi, Darrell Trindall and Willie Talau, while remaining players vowed to stick together and took pay cuts.
• Despite the heavy roster turnover, New South Wales Origin forward Andrew Ryan joined via Parramatta. 
• After winning three from seven opening matches, the Bulldogs clicked into gear to win thirteen of their last seventeen matches to finish in third place. 
• Taking on 2002 Minor Premiers and Grand Finalists the Warriors, the Bulldogs were shocked 48-22 in the first week of finals, backing up with a dominant 30-nil victory over the Melbourne Storm.  
• Billed as the 'Grand Final That Never Was' after both teams were favourites to meet one another in the 2002 decider, the Roosters prevailed 28-18. 
• The under 19s side claimed another Premiership while the reserve grade side finished in the finals. 
• The NRL introduced the Golden Point extra time system. 

Debutants: Andrew Ryan, Brett Oliver, Dayne Neirinckx

2004 - Redemption and Vindication

While plenty outside of the Club's four walls had doubts about the ability to bounce back following the 2002 salary cap scandal and the loss of experienced figures, there was no doubt in the minds of coaches, players and fans that the title would return to Belmore. 

The year itself had its fair share of controversies, and despite distractions during pre-season, the Bulldogs began life in 2004 on the field with a 48-14 demolition of arch rivals Parramatta. It also marked the debut of young Kiwi sensation Sonny Bill Williams.

It wouldn't all be big scoreline and celebrations, however, for Steve Folkes' side in the early stages of the season; who narrowly escaped against Cronulla (24-20) and Manly (28-26), before an uncharacteristic 35-nil downing from the Roosters.

Following the bye and wins against the Warriors (24-18) and South Sydney (34-8), the Bulldogs were back in a rhythm, before completing a gritty 25-18 win over heavyweights Brisbane, where Folkes praised his players: "That performance pretty much shows what they are made of". 

While there were lessons learned throughout the season, the turnaround came against the Roosters - their eventual Grand Final opponents - in Round 13.

The comprehensive 40-12 victory saw the side recalibrate their focus towards a Premiership, with a further nine consecutive victories guiding the side to a second place finish.

After an unpredicted defeat in the first week of finals against post-season debutants North Queensland, Folkes' side bounced back with a thumping 43-18 win over Melbourne, that saw Hazem El Masri become the first player in history to record 300 points in a season. 

The following week was a bittersweet victory; the Bulldogs toppled defending Premiers Penrith (30-14) to qualify for the Club's first Grand Final since 1998, but lost inspirational skipper Steve Price to a knee injury in his first hit-up.

In a cruel twist of fate, it not only ruled him out of the marked his final match for the Club after a twelve seasons. 

It was fitting that the Bulldogs would meet crosstown rivals Easts in their third meeting in a Grand Final in 30 years, with the two best teams all year fighting for the title. 

Light rain had begun 20 minutes prior to kick-off, hampering handling, while both sides persisted in the early stages of the match with a more expansive style of play; with the Roosters opening the scores as their captain Brad Fittler - in his last first-grade match -  manufactured a banana kick for Chris Walker.

Minutes later, stand-in debut Captain Andrew Ryan replied in kind, looping a pass to winger Matt Utai to touch down. 

So close was the match that the Roosters opted for a field goal before halftime, taking a 13-6 lead heading into the break following a second try. 

Far from fazed by the deficit, a second try to Utai put the Bulldogs within one point, and the Roosters' 53-minute lead came to an end when El Masri muscled his way over for a memorable try - and his 100th in first-grade. 

A tense battle ensued for the final half hour, with the match winner coming with just seconds remaining - Ryan's last-grasp effort to stop a runaway Michael Crocker forcing a turnover and sealing the Club's eight Premiership. 

The second rower's milestone night ended on a classy note, inviting Price on the podium to help hoist the Premiership trophy in front of the Blue and White sea of 82,127.

Season Snapshot: 

• Season 2004 marked the Club's 70th season in first-grade.
• The retirement of Steve Reardon and the departures of Shane Marteene, Travis Norton and Nigel Vagana was compensated by the signing of Willie Tonga from Parramatta and Jamaal Lolesi Canberra. 
• Seven wins from the opening nine matches thanks to the form of rookie sensation Sonny Bill Williams and new recruit Willie Tonga was then elevated to a ten-match streak to cement a second-place finish, with for and against only separating the Bulldogs from the Roosters. 
• A 30-22 defeat to surprise packets North Queensland in the opening week of the 2004 Finals Series proved to be a wake-up call for the side, humbling Melbourne 43-18 the following week. 
• A memorable performance in the Preliminary Final against Premiers Penrith saw the Bulldogs book themselves a spot in the Grand Final for their first time since 1998. 
• With the game in the balance and trailing at half-time 13-6, the Bulldogs claimed a famous 16-13 victory, with goal-kicking wizard Hazem El Masri's 100th NRL try sealing the Club's eighth Premiership title. 
• Steve Folkes became just the second individual to win a Premiership at the Club as both a player (1980, 1984-85, 1988) and Head Coach (2004). 
• Forward Willie Mason was bestowed the Clive Churchill Medal as Man of the Match. 
• The Club's 70th Year Anniversary Team was announced.
• Hazem El Masri became the first player in competition history to score 300 points for the season.
• Australian quartet Andrew Ryan, Mark O'Meley, Willie Mason and Willie Tonga and New Zealand duo Sonny Bill Williams and Matt Utai earned selection for the end-of-year Tri Nations tournament. 
• Both the reserve grade side and under 19s finished as semi-finalists.

Debutants: Sonny Bill Williams, Willie Tonga, Jamaal Lolesi, Hutch Maiava, Reni Maitua, Adrian Rainey, Trevor Thurling