NRL 2004 Premiers /

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.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 16 (Matt Utai 2, Hazem El Masri Tries; Hazem El Masri 2 goals) def Sydney Roosters 13 (Chris Walker, Anthony Minichiello tries; Craig Fitzgibbon 2 goals; Brett Finch field goal)

Bulldogs 2004 Premiers

Bulldogs 2004 Season Statistics