History of The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - Early Success

Early Success

Canterbury's initial season was a remarkable one - for the wrong reasons: arguably the worst season on record. Playing without a home ground, the team suffered a number of massive losses, at one point losing in successive weeks, 6-91 to St George and 7-87 to Easts - the two heaviest defeats in the history of the competition.

Amazingly, though, 1935's two wins were improved to nine in 1936 and netted a place in the finals. By 1938, the season featured only one loss, and a first title, defeating former nemesis Easts 19-6 in the final. Instrumental in the club's success was the front row combination of props Eddie Burns and Henry Porter and hooker Roy Kirkaldy. The club also won the reserve grade premiership the same year. Canterbury made the grand final two years later in 1940 but lost to the Easts 24-14. In 1942 Canterbury finished on top of the ladder with Balmain, though secured the minor premiership after the NSWRL ruled that a play-off would be necessary, which saw them beat the Tigers 40-20. Canterbury were defeated by St George 35-10 in the semis, but as minor premiers had the right to challenge in a grand final which saw them defeat the Dragons 20-6 in wet conditions after the scores were even at half-time.