Round 14
Bulldogs 12 l. Brisbane Broncos 19

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Broncos all but end Bulldogs season
Sat June 16, 2007
Brisbane produced a professional and methodical performance as they put away a disappointing Bulldogs outfit 19-12 in wet conditions at Telstra Stadium.

Many punters had placed plenty of big bets on the Bulldogs without taking a serious looking at the form guide and history between the two clubs. Brisbane have in recent seasons played extremely well immediately following a State of Origin match, they had the players better equipped for wet weather football, they had Darren Lockyer and the Broncos completely own the Bulldogs in the head to head stakes between the two clubs. The Broncos-Bulldogs clashes excluding a small period in 2001-04 is more dominant than the times the great Shane Warne bowled to Darryl Cullinan.

The Bulldogs started the match in impressive fashion and scored first through Daryl Millard in the 9th minute with Sonny Bill Williams roaming outwide to create the overlap. Hazem El Masri found kicking form landing a beauty from the sideline for the 'home' side to lead 6-0.

After the early setback for Brisbane they began to dominate the match and crossed in the 16th minute when Tonie Carroll scored a controversial try when replays showed Andrew Ryan was interfered with by a Broncos player. The video referee saw differently and awarded the try. Corey Parker added the extras to level up the scores.

The Bulldogs had a fair try to Corey Hughes disallowed when the video referee ruled that the Broncos defence was impeded in the play the ball area. Brisbane took full advantage of that and moments later hit the lead when a kick from Daniel Holdsworth was charged down for Justin Hodges to race 60m to score under the posts with Parker landing an easy conversion.

Brisbane extended their lead five minutes into the second half when the Bulldogs just couldn't hold the ball immediately after half-time with the Broncos making them pay with Steve Michaels scoring in the corner. Parker was unable to convert as the Broncos led 16-6.

The Bulldogs had every opportunity to comeback into the match, but their lack of respect for possession and the balance of their side being out of touch with the modern game hurt them dearly. Willie Mason who was playing no where near 100% fitness dropped the ball on three occasions in quick time as he simply tried to do too much as several other players in the side just didn't have the speed or ability to hurt the better prepared and mentally drilled Broncos outfit.

Corey Hughes was penalised for stripping the ball in a two-man tackle and Parker landed an important penalty goal in the 67th minute and Lockyer put the result beyond all doubt with a drop-goal moments later.

Williams scored a late try for the Bulldogs showing great strength close to the line.

The scoreline didn't reflect the Brisbane's domination of the match and how they had the Bulldogs measure after the opening ten minutes.

Brisbane showed that you can win with attitude, desire, mental application and culture - all attributes they have and the Bulldogs used to have.

Hodges was outstanding for the Broncos outwide, their forwards played with discipline, Karmichael Hunt did plenty of good work at the back and Lockyer controlled the match perfectly.

It's now time for the Bulldogs with the season all but gone in the current climate to throw caution to the wind and blood in fresh blood to provide hope for the present and future. With the Bulldogs management struggling to sign and retain players they have to rebuild from the bottom up relying on developing and giving youth a chance. Tim Sheens and Craig Bellamy are both reaping the rewards in not being scared to give kids a chance and Steve Folkes' brother-in-law Chris Anderson is in the process of cleaning out the deadwood at the Roosters with results finally showing for his investments. Canberra were tipped to win the wooden spoon in a canter and incoming coach Neil Henry decided to rely on youth and enthusiasm with the results so far exceeding all expectations.

The Bulldogs are far too slow in the backs and at the ruck area and their game plan is being ripped apart by their opponents in the last five weeks with their only victory in that time coming against a Warriors side who played 76 minutes of the game with just 12 men where Williams had his finest NRL match since 2004.

Only three positives from the match for the Bulldogs was the effort of Brent Sherwin who is working himself nicely into form, the debut of teenage centre Tim Winitana was promising where he made six tackle busts and interchange Nick Kouparitsas showed he has skill and impact.

Players such as Winitana, Kouparitsas, Brent Crisp, Ben Roberts, Billy Ngawini, Charlie Farah, Dallas McIlwain and when he returns from injury Lee Te Maari are young and enthusiastic players that need to be thrown into the first grade and persisted with for the rest of the season as the Bulldogs have to look for youth and enthusiasm to bring life back into what used to be the most feared club in the game as they firm into wooden spoon contenders.


Bulldogs wear Pink for cancer and announce new shorts sponsor
Thu June 14, 2007
Source: www.bulldogs.com.au

When the Bulldogs run out against the Broncos tomorrow night they will be hoping for two things, a win and that everybody notices their socks - their pink socks.

In an effort to increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for National Breast Cancer Foundation research programs, the Bulldogs team will be playing in pink and white Nike socks instead of the usual blue and white. Each player will then sign their socks after the match and they will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Bidding for these unique one of a kind items will be online. Go to www.graysonline.com.au and click on the "Sporting" link. Bidding will start after the game and will continue through to Wednesday, June 20.

Bulldogs forward Sonny Bill Williams said, "I'm very proud that we, as a team, can do our bit to help the National Breast Cancer Foundation fund a cure for breast cancer.

"I hope Bulldogs and rugby league supporters get behind this auction knowing they are contributing to such a worthwhile cause."

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad announced today that commercial maintenance services company Maico had signed up as the Bulldogs' back of shorts sponsor.

Noad said, "Maico is a leader in the field of commercial maintenance and a strong national brand that we are delighted to be in partnership with.

"Performance and the importance of teamwork are integral to Maico's business philosophy and I believe they are a perfect fit with the Bulldogs Club."

Maico Corporate Services Manager George Kritikos said, "Maico welcomes its sponsorship and association with the Bulldogs Rugby League Club.

"Teamwork and service delivery is an understanding Maico has as a leading commercial maintenance team servicing clients Australia wide. Our team comprises of a group of highly skilled tradesmen in areas of air conditioning and mechanical services, plumbers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, handymen and painters.

"Maico prides itself in delivering effective, innovative, building and construction, installation, service and commercial maintenance solutions within a national framework."

Maico joins Mitsubishi Electric (front of jersey), Yes Home Loans (back of jersey), Bankstown Sports Club (sleeve) and Nike (playing strip manufacturer) as the Bulldogs' playing strip sponsors.

News sent by: www.bulldogs.com.au

Tue June 12, 2007
• Bulldogs drop Tonga and Roberts for discipline reasons
  
Thu June 7, 2007
• Pink socks for Bulldogs
  

Advanced Search