There was very little fanfare or hype surrounding the chain of events that took place in chilly mid-winter conditions in Sydney, but for the Bulldogs, Dragons and Wests Tigers, it was a return to the good ole days en masse.

At Belmore Sports Ground, the Doggies returned to their beloved kennel for the first time since hosting a trial match there against the Panthers at the end of the summer. They’ll be heading there again for a match-up against the Raiders very very shortly.

Belmore Sports Ground in all its glory last weekend. (Photo by James Smith)

The motivation for writing this piece came from the ground announcer at Belmore on Saturday continually referring to the stadium as the blue and whites’ spiritual home. There was a collective straightening of the back and chests puffed out in pride at each mention by the Bulldogs’ faithful.

Two and a half hours after the Bulldogs and the Titans kicked off at Belmore, the Dragons and Manly were doing battle at another of the NRL’s part-time homes, but yet another venue boasting a very proud history.

Wollongong's WIN Stadium offers some of the best spectator views in the NRL. (Photo by James Smith)

Formerly the Wollongong Showground, and formerly the home stage for the Illawarra Steelers across the ‘80s and ‘90s, WIN Stadium is in sparkling form these days, offering a colosseum-like vibe which can freak out even the most favoured visiting outfit.

Wrapping up the weekend was the Tigers’ return to Campbelltown Sports Ground, which the Macarthur locals will tell you isn’t used nearly enough as a home ground for the Tiger-Pies.

This is Campbelltown. (Photo by James Smith)

Game day is still a massive deal out here. Venture over to the footy club before kick-off and there you’ll find hundreds of Magpie Victa jersey-clad disciples ready to watch their blokes in action later that afternoon. On this particular day the Tigers were dealt a lesson in league, but that won’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm for the greatest game of all out here.

Each of these three grounds is no longer used as a full-time home venue for their respective clubs, but they’re still important sites for the continuation and preservation of the game’s past and future. And besides, it’s cool sitting on the hill in the sun with a pie and a beer. You don’t get THAT at the super stadiums …

(Photo by James Smith)