Well you either had to be a “Doggie” or a “Bunnie” it was that simple! With English born players in both sides (Burgess Brothers – South Sydney Rabittohs) and (James Graham – Canterbury Brankstown Bulldogs) the Brothers players and staff were fairly equal with their support.

Team Manager, Jason Steele bought an old school style Bulldogs jersey, Wayne Okell went with the Super hero style for the Rabbitoh’s with Director of Rugby/PRO Beefy “Burgess” also going with the Rabbitoh’s with a smart home style jersey.

The remainder of the Brothers must be congratulated on their fashion style for the day with Messers Cadmore, Robinson, Bamford and Metcalfe obviously clearing Matalan, Asda George and Tesco’s of their entire summer holiday range! The One Direction team of Botwood, Buck Taylor and Haldenby-Beckham were dressed like they meant business and I am sure the local females appreciated their efforts. Shiela and Doris the stadium cleaners were heard to say “Look at those beauties!”

The walk to the ground was out of this world, fairground rides, music, beer, burgers and both sets of fans mixing, making it a great atmosphere for any Rugby League fan. After gaining entry without any issue (Lockton Jnr, Lockton Snr and all the other ‘Ullites’ did get frisked……) the Brothers were set in their seats. We were high up, mid pitch with a superb all round view. Along with another 83,000.00 yes I said 83,000.00 Rugby League fans we were ready for the game to begin. A musical extravaganza begin with ‘Slash’ guitarist with ‘Guns n Roses’ and another couple of Aussie bands and once that finished it was game on!

This game was Slamming Sam’s last game for the Rabbittohs before he tries his hand at kick and clap with Bath and James Graham reminded him off the fact in the first minute with a tackle that evidently left Burgess with a fractured cheek bone. At the half South’s were 6-0 up, the Bulldogs tried to breach the Sydney’s line but strong defence kept the Bulldogs at bay. In the second half around the 10 minute marker the Bulldogs s eventually scored on the wing. Game on 6-6 all!

This seemed to spur the Rabbittohs on with George Burgess barging his way over, Inglis played a blinder scoring and a few more tries saw South Sydney run away with it in the end. 30-6 was the final score, so disappointing for Graham but a fitting end for Sam Burgess who also was awarded the Churchill Man of the Match trophy.

All in all this was a day all of the Brothers will remember for the rest of their lives and I hate to say it but the Aussies know how to put a Grand Final Party together! “Up the Bunnies…….!”