In the Vatican City this week, Australia's ambassador to the Holy See will be on his knees, praying: may God grant the Bulldogs form against the Rabbits.
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John McCarthy, QC, KCSG, may be the biggest Canterbury-Bankstown fan in the world's smallest nation, a soldier of the Bulldogs Army under the protection of Swiss Guards.
And when it comes to Sunday's decider against South Sydney, "preparations have been made".
Writing from the Australian embassy on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II "with great joy and expectation", Mr McCarthy sent his best wishes to Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle, coach Des Hasler and all the boys.
"You hold the fervent hopes of many in your hands," he said.
"Be assured that here in Rome the flag and colours of the Bulldogs are on display, even in St Peter's Square, where we unfolded our C-B pennant."
As Belmore residents yell, "Carn the Doggies", from their car windows, McCarthy will be trying out the Latin version.
"Cantuariensis Vincit, Taurus Canes Pertendent. (Loosely translated): Canterbury to win! Go the Bulldogs!!!"
Unable to attend the grand final because of his diplomatic duties, McCarthy has arranged for a party of "both expats and pilgrims" to watch the match from one of Rome's "great Irish pubs".
The former native title lawyer, appointed to the Vatican in 2012, said three generations of his family were loyal to the blue and white; his father had been a Canterbury post master.
"My three sons are numbered among Canterbury's most fervent supporters," he wrote.
Many older fans of the club would be delighted to see a fellow zealot within the holy enclave.
For while Canterbury-Bankstown is the church that unites much of Sydney's south-west, including its large Greek Orthodox and Muslim communities, it was once the Catholic club.
Older fans recall references to "you Catholics", the recruitment from local Catholic high schools and juniors clubs such as St Christopher's.
For 26 years the club was ruled by a devout Catholic, Peter "Bullfrog" Moore, who was said to have prayed for the Bulldogs at mass.
McCarthy, who is also behind the Vatican Cricket Team, said while he was he praying for a good performance, he would not petition for a win.
"A Bulldogs victory is indeed our hope, but we will only pray that our splendid team plays with all the traditional Bulldogs skill and magic, and so deserve to win."
It is a distinction most fans are unlikely to make. But most fans will not be cheering in Latin.
