NSWRL 1984 Premiers /

It could be argued that a combination of good management and good fortune brought the Club's fourth Premiership in its 50th year. 

The season marked Terry Lamb's first in the Blue and White after transferring from Western Suburbs and coming off a Dally M Medal in the side that finished last.

Hulking forward Peter Tunks also joined, coming from South Sydney having represented his state joining Brian Battese, a second rower from Wests, and Daryl Brohman from Penrith. 

Perhaps the most important signing, however, was Head Coach Warren Ryan; following 1980 Premiership mentor Ted Glossop's retirement, there came in a gap needed to be filled in by a new coach with new ideas and new policies. 

I followed his career to Wollongong and saw how he handled Wests' lower grades and we often met at school carnivals. I knew some time ago of his desire to one day coach at Canterbury.

Secretary Peter Moore On recruiting Warren Ryan

After Ryan was signed, he added in tough forward Peter Kelly and crafty hooker Mark Bugden to round off his squad; revered as the most concerted and successful off-season buying of any club in the Premiership. 

Ryan's brought in a new style and method to Canterbury, differing greatly from the previous six years under Glossop; and it looked like it work - at no stage did the 1984 Bulldogs lose their lead at the top of the table, and they were the only team after three rounds. 

No club jumped ahead of the Bulldogs on points. 

Lamb's arrival coincided with winning ways, his try-scoring and point-scoring ways guiding the Bulldogs to glory, while netting him the Rothmans Medal for 1984.

As part of the radical change, four captains were used throughout the season; Chris Anderson began in charge, before Lamb was given the honour. Steven Folkes took charge when Lamb and Mortimer were away on representative duty, before Steve Mortimer took up the mantle for the rest of the season.

Following the performance of his halves partner against Queensland, Lamb selflessly relinquished the responsibility to Mortimer. 

On the field, Ryan's side finished the season on 42 points, four clear of their nearest rivals in Parramatta and St George - with the one week of rest acting as a major boost for the side. 

The Bulldogs withstood a late rally to down eventual Grand Final opponents Parramatta 16-8, with Mortimer playing a key role in the win to qualify for the decider. 

While many pundits and critics alike saw the lone finals match as a disadvantage for the side's preparation, Ryan and the Bulldogs compensated with emphasis on fitness and ball work under the Club's conditioner Dave Cooper.

The preparation seemed to play wonders for the side, who recorded a famous 6-4 victory over the Eels, which remains as the lowest Grand Final scoreline in history.

Described as a battle of wits with discipline exemplified, the match was full of big moments; Steve Mortimer was controversially disallowed an early try, while Parramatta sharpshooter Mick Cronin missed a penalty to level the scores with minutes remaining. Canterbury did not receive a penalty in the second half.

Despite the Eels leading 4-nil at the break, hooker Bugden - who was badly affected by an asthma attack - took it upon himself to dart through the Parramatta ruck and score just two minutes on resumption. 

It was a try that few Canterbury fans will forget, and ultimately, was the one that sealed the Club's fourth Premiership title. 

Brohman's clever ball playing put the Bulldogs in position to score again, with Parramatta - the defending three-time Premiers - withheld the pressure. 

Peter Kelly gave another unrelenting display, claiming man of the match honours, while Battese and Tunks played their part in the victory, highlighting the faith and clever recruiting from Ryan and co. 

An intercept from O'Brien, and three cover tackles from Captain Mortimer on Brett Kenny, Ray Price and rival Peter Sterling were among other highlights of the thrilling contest. 

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6 (Mark Bugden try; Chris Mortimer goal) def Parramatta Eels 4 (Michael Cronin try)

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1984 Premiers

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1984 Season Statistics