SBW, Sonny Bill Williams or, as Brisbane discovered today, ‘Super Bulldog Weapon’.
The Kiwi colossus ignored back pain to inspire the battling Bulldogs to a drought busting 26-18 win at Suncorp Stadium, continuing a remarkable weekend of rugby league upsets started by the Titans on Friday night.
“He (Williams) and Johnathan Thurston are the best footy players I’ve ever played with,” declared lock Reni Maitua after the Dogs snapped a five-game losing streak in front of a crowd of 37,683 featuring lots of blue and white jumpers.
“The amount of work he (Williams) does in defence and how he comes back into the attack and gets his hands on the ball twice in each set …. he’s an unbelievable athlete.
“His presence on the field lifts everyone. I just love the kid, he’s such and amazing competitor …. an inspiration to everyone.”
The Bulldogs spoiled Darren Lockyer’s injury comeback.
“I felt a bit rusty and my match fitness is not there but it was good to be back,” said Lockyer who returned to action in the second half just as Williams smashed through Dave Taylor and Karmichael Hunt in the 48th minute to give the visitors a 20-8 lead after the scores were locked 8-8 at half time.
“I’ve got mixed emotions. The knee came through the game and I’m happy about that but I’m obviously disappointed with the result,” said the Brisbane skipper.
Coach Wayne Bennett said Brisbane’s start was to be expected with his players returning from a “semester break” following two weeks off.
“Momentum is everything in football. We’ve been away and it will take a little time,” said Bennett.
“There’s still eight games to go and as long as we’re better next week and the week after, then we’ve got time.”
Maitua said the Bulldogs loved playing at Suncorp Stadium where their last eight games had produced six wins.
“We knew we were building towards something after we played very stupid against Souths (losing after leading 24-6) and we came up here pretty confident,” said Maitua.
He predicted a big future for 19-year-old halfback Arana Taumata who posted his third try in just his third first-grade game, beating Corey Parker, Joel Clinton and fullback Karmichael Hunt with a neat sidestepping display for the opening try in the seventh minute.
He would have had a double but for an amazing display of courage by a fearless Hunt who snatched the ball off Attenuates boot as he was about to kick it again.
“He’s a real cocky little kid, that’s what I like about him, his arrogance,” said Maitua.
“He’s got a great future ahead of him.
“Karmichael is the only fullback who would have stopped it because he plays with so much heart and courage.”
“If he (Hunt) hadn’t got to the ball he (Attenuate) was in under the posts.”
Brisbane utility Nick Emmett suffered a dislocated ankle and was taken to hospital for x-rays.
Halfback Peter Wallace also had a dozen stitches inserted into a head cut suffered in the opening minutes.
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THE ROAR ON