Canterbury could reportedly return to Coffs Harbour – the scene of the darkest chapter in the history of ‘The Family Club’ – next year.

The 2004 scandal rocked the Bulldogs and the entire NRL after a woman alleged several players raped her at a Coffs Harbour hotel.

No Bulldogs players were ever charged by police but the alleged incident delivered a black eye to the club’s reputation.

According to News Limited, the Bulldogs are close to ending their 16-year-absence, with plans afoot to play a 2020 pre-season game in the northern NSW town.

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The likely return is a logical next step after the Dogs agreed to a development deal with North Coast rugby league.

Under the agreement Canterbury will provide coaching to teams in the region competing in the Country Rugby League competition as well as an NRL pathway for young talent in the region.

The Dogs will kick-off their 2019 NRL campaign against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on March 16.