A few picks from the ANZAC test
Woo Hoo win for the Dogs =)
A Daniel Holdsworth field goal and a late Hazem El Masri penalty gave the Bulldogs a come-from-behind 21-18 win over the Eels in the NRL match at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.
Scores were locked at 18-18 with six minutes to go before Bulldogs five-eighth Holdsworth cooly slotted a one-pointer from almost 30m out.
El Masri then slotted a penalty from 38m out to take the margin to three points.
The Bulldogs trailed 16-12 at halftime but a try to rampaging Kangaroos forward Willie Mason helped level the scores and the Dogs got the better of the final stages.
Mason, El Masri and Trent Cutler crossed for the Bulldogs while Daniel Wagon and Brett Finch scored the Eels' two tries in the first half.
Both kickers were flawless, El Masri kicking four from four and Luke Burt slotting five from as many attempts.
Parramatta had a 16-12 lead at halftime after Eels halves Brett Finch and Tim Smith combined beautifully.
El Masri opened the scoring in the seventh minute after getting on the end of a good Bulldogs' backline move sparked by returning Brent Sherwin, who had a decent game but looked slight rusty in first grade.
Sherwin spun a long ball to Reni Maitua, who used quick hands to spread it to Daryl Millard who provided El Masri with an easy run to the line.
Wagon hit back in the 13th minute however after Finch had broken the line before turning the ball inside to allow the lock to plant the ball under the posts.
Provider turned scorer when Finch did it all himself just two minutes later, taking on the line from 10m out at first receiver and carving some poor Bulldogs defence.
Smith and Finch continued to cause problems for the Dogs, Smith's kicking game particularly on song.
Burt extended the lead out to eight with a penalty 13th minutes out from the break and kicked another seven minutes later but the Bulldogs scored a vital try on the stroke of halftime to stay well and truly in the game.
Holdsworth put a clever kick in behind the Eels defence and Dogs winger Trent Cutler caught Eric Grothe shallow in defence, outpacing him to score out wide.
Another Burt penalty extended Parramatta's lead five minutes after the break after El Masri was caught for obstruction but Mason crashed over the line in the 59th after Corey Hughes unloaded from dummy half, El Masri levelling the scores at 18-18.
EELS: 18
Tries: 2
Daniel Wagon, Brett Finch
Goals: 2
Luke Burt (2/2)
Penalty Goals: 3
Luke Burt (3/3)
BULLDOGS: 21
Tries: 3
Hazem El Masri, Trent Cutler, Willie Mason
Goals: 3
Hazem El Masri (3/3)
Penalty Goals: 1
Hazem El Masri (1/1)
Field Goals: 1
Daniel Holdsworth
Willie Mason
This is a very well said article regarding Willie Mason. Seriously he is a football player and unless these journalists want to comment on his on field performance then may I suggest you back off and leave him alone...
In defence of Willie Mason
Miranda Devine
April 22, 2007
WILLIE Mason answered his critics, as they say in the classics, with a 30-6 Test win for the Kangaroos over the Kiwis on Friday night. But it doesn't matter how good his football is, or how quiet he is, or how much humble pie he eats - the 195-centimetre Bulldogs forward will still be saddled with all the baggage of rugby league.
The whipping boy is back in play. The lynch mob is back on his tail, baying for his sacking, and again his supposed offences are trivial.
This time it was taunting a female 2GB sports reporter. Michelle Keighran says she was "humiliated" and driven to tears by his behaviour, but admits he didn't swear or abuse her. He just refused to be interviewed because he doesn't like 2GB, which hardly makes him Robinson Crusoe in this town.
Then he disrupted her attempts at interviewing his teammates by singing "la la la" loudly in the background.
So it was juvenile behaviour, and he has apologised. But since when was that grounds for sacking? And since when were reporters so precious? If Willie Mason singing is the most confronting experience of your journalism career you should get out more.
What was astonishing was the inherent racism in articles describing the New Zealand-born, part-Tongan, part-Samoan, part-African-American Mason as a Neanderthal and a baboon. "If sports reporter Michelle Keighran wanted to work with baboons she would, presumably, have applied for a job with Taronga Zoo," wrote one Daily Telegraph reporter.
Any slur is acceptable when it's about Mason. He has only just finished defending himself against an allegation by a Souths fan that he placed a water bottle between his thighs and simulated urinating on Souths players during a game. But, as Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said on Friday, it never happened. After a ridiculous forensic investigation into the claim, inspecting footage and interviewing staff, he concluded it was impossible.
"When Willie came off [the field] he did not go near the Souths bench," Noad said. "Our physio took him off near the halfway line and gave him a water bottle to rehydrate. Willie walked up to our in-goal and back to the Bulldogs bench" - 20 metres from the Souths bench. Souths said Willie was innocent, too. But that didn't stop the story running for days.
It was the same with the Coffs Harbour sex scandal in 2004, when Mason was incorrectly branded as one of the accused Bulldogs.
And who could forget the Harvey Norman doodle affair? Mason was accused of drawing obscene caricatures with "oversized genitalia" on a tablecloth during an autograph signing at a Harvey Norman store. When the tablecloth was shown to the media, Mason's doodles turned out to be innocent, childlike pictures of a flower in a pot, funny faces, noughts and crosses and stick figures.
Even the fallout from the recent Sonny Bill Williams-Candice Falzon tryst in the men's toilets at the Clovelly Hotel spilled over onto Mason, because he had been drinking with his teammate earlier. In fact it was Mason's girlfriend who bundled Williams into a cab after finding him collapsed. (As an aside, what kind of pervert put a mobile phone camera under the toilet door to snap a picture of the couple, which is now there for all to see on the internet?)
But those who know Mason see the player who is always last on the team bus because he stays signing autographs for fans, who visits sick children in hospitals. They see the breadwinner for his widowed mother Sonya, who bought her a house and puts money in her bank account every week to support his seven siblings, who drives her to Mass and never forgets Mother's Day.
Mason has started writing a column for this newspaper but I was writing in defence of him long before. After a column in 2004 I was flooded with emails from people who see the real Mason. Kelly once saw him give an autograph to a boy with a broken arm, who "burst into tears after he told Willie he couldn't play footy because of his arm. Willie gave him a hug and consoled him".
Every problem with the Bulldogs is laid at Mason's door because, like the loudest kid in the class who always gets detention, everyone knows who he is.
And at 27, the leadership roles he is keen for may be denied him because of an unjust reputation crafted for sport by a lynch mob who should be ashamed of themselves.
Williams out with hamstring complaint
Despite all four internationals appearing to come through last night's ANZAC Test healthy, the injury to Williams arose later today and will see him miss just the one week.
A replacement is yet to be named.
Round 6 tips
Ok well I was going for the Kiwi's tonight but Australia smashed them, suppose I should be happy considering I am a born and bred aussie lol
ok Round 6 tips are;
Storm
Sharks
Manly
Dogs
Knights
Cowboys
Oh and congratulations to the Roosters as this weekend they will get their first 2 points for the season, thanks to the bye rofl hahahahaha
You go Girl
Tuesday April 17, 2007
Robyn Wuth
Gold Coast Bulletin
LET'S be clear, I'm no fan of Willie Mason - the giant footballer with the ego to match.
No thanks. Not my cup of tea, particularly when he's wearing a blue jumper and is rampaging over the Maroons on Origin night.
This time though, and it galls me to say it, I have to go to the big fella's defence.
Willie's under fire - again - and under NRL investigation - again - this time for making a reporter cry. Bad Willie.
And what did big mean Willie do to reduce poor little Sydney radio station 2GB rugby league reporter Michelle Keighran to tears?
It went like this. She asked for an interview and he said... wait for it, brace yourselves: "For you (2GB)... I don't think so." Well. I'm shocked.
Shocked and appalled by man's inhumanity to man - or woman in this case.
Let's charge him, fine him, jail him, clean his potty mouth with soap. It's no secret Mason has a 'firm dislike' for 2GB after receiving bucketloads of criticism over the years from commentator Ray Hadley, but this is taking things too far big Willie. How dare he refuse an interview?
The nerve, but that said, I wonder if Keighran might not be in the wrong profession.
Crying because someone refused an interview?
Crying because someone dared mocked her?
It might be the first time Willie has made a girl cry by saying no.
Clearly, Willie was being a bit of a prankster here. Is that now outlawed along with the head high tackle?
Bad Willie might be a bit of a Wally, but is making a Wally of yourself also banned? In that case Keighran might also cop a fine for her tanty.
Refusing to allow his refusal to stand, a distraught Keighran has taken her tanty to the top, ringing NRL chief executive David Gallop and Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad to demand action be taken against Willie.
"He made me look so stupid - he is so immature," she said.
"I'm not copping it... I don't need to be treated like that by anyone, especially a footballer.
"He acted like an idiot. He is supposed to be representing his country. I could think of 1000 other people I would want to represent Australia."
Boo-hoo. Someone please pass the big sook a tissue.
If this is the worst abuse Keighran has faced, then she has a long way to go.
Imagine if the fragile thing had to step outside the palace and her organised press conferences and actually cover real news stories?
You know, where the job entailed more than just a handout?
God help her is she had to go to Iraq. Lordy, she'd need to keep a container load of tissues close.
But that's big city broadcast media for you, particularly Sydney broadcast media. They like being ensconced in a layer of cotton wool. Most journalists had to earn their striped the hard way - fronting at accident scenes, being at the centre of confrontation, asking grieving relatives for an interview.
I have been pushed away, shoved, threatened with violence and arrest for that matter.
I had to stand between an angry man and a photographer to stop his gear being smashed and I have even received death threats.
Ask around this newsroom and everyone has had a similar run-in or three.
One first-year cadet faced a tough baptism of fire - she was abused and had rocks and shoes thrown at her.
OK, Some of us deserve the occasional 'pull your head in' from time to time.
But did we cry about it? No. Did we need therapy and bodyguards? No, we just fronted the next day for work. As you do.
It can be unpleasant, even confronting, but that's the job - if you can't hack the heat, go back to the kitchen.
Two words, Ms Keighran, 'Toughen Up'.
It's your job to turn the situation around and use it to your advantage, not drop your bundle. I have no doubt Willie's attitude would have got right up anyone's nose, but let's try and keep things in perspective here.
What did you expect - a Shakespearean sonnet?
We're talking about Willie Mason - the 195cm tall, 115kg frizzy-haired Bulldog.
He's a footballer, not a hairdresser. It wasn't not too long ago that everybody loved Willie Mason - his openness and larrikin nature, unmistakable because of his huge frame and trademark afro, but now that ship has sailed, or that ball went out on the full, as the case may be. Mason is no angel, but he has just been picked for the Aussie team.
Add that to the fact that he was with his team-mates and he has a grudge, so when he made fun of poor Michelle, perhaps he was showing off.
That said, his comments weren't abusive, he didn't attack little Michelle personally.
He was just being a bit of a knob and there's no crime in that. Yesterday, Keighran's tears and tantrums worked and Big Willie caved in and I suspect did what he was told to do, phone to apologise.
Willie's been banned from any more media interviews for the time being which some might argue was a reward, rather than a punishment.
Well done Michelle, does that make you a winner? Not in most people's eyes I suspect.
My tips this week are quite bad lol
Well my tips this week have well and truly sucked so far lol
Only 1 right out of 5 games I can not remember the last time I picked so badly 
I went to the dogs game last night and we lost by 2 points. The first half was quite slow the second half however was a great game of footy to watch. Altought Manly won by 2 points I still enjoyed the game.
Now if I could have a quiet word to Mr Steve Folkes I would have to ask him "WTF he is doing still have Shifty & Utai in Premier League". Surely by now Utai's ankle has healed and he can come back. And look I think Roberts has great potential in the game however he has now had 5 games to prove himself up to NRL standard and he has not really had any stand out performances. I understand that Sherwin can be inconsistent, I am sure though he has learnt his lesson and will put in a huge effort in first grade. Come on Folksey bring em back!
We have a huge game next week against Parramatta, at Parra park too so we will be needing an awesome team to win that one. I will again be attending that game, fingers crossed we will get our third win next week 
Let's hope my other tips go ok this afternoon lol
Round 5 tips
Panthers
Broncos
Storm
Dogs
Warriors
Rabbits
Tigers
Raiders
Round 4 for the Dogs
What an awesome game of Football to watch last night. The mighty Canterbury Bulldogs showed they still have what it takes.
The Rabbitohs put up a good game, quite a few mistakes from there were well received from the Dogs. I must say the ref made a few strange calls last night, all in all he was ok lol. I wish they did not go to the video ref for every try though, sersiouly if the ref is standing there right in front how the hell can they not see if the ball was grounded. Let's go back to the good old days when there was no video ref. I think the video ref has a place in the NRL, however I think it should be limited and not used as much as it currently is.
What an awesome crowd there last night, it may have been a Rabbits home game but I am sure there were more "blue & white" then "red & green". What a shame that Russell Crowe came all that way to watch his team lose lol.
Great attitude from a young coach too, Jason Smith said after the game he was not disappointed at all in his team losing that night, he was happy they had won 3 from 4 games and they had to lose eventually. Well done mate, well said.
Dogs pulled up without injury which is great, I must say I was concerened when SBW layed on the ground for a minute (and no Cheryl I was not laying next to him lol I wish).
Now bring on next weeks game when we take on the Manly Sea Eagles at Telstra Stadium, I will be booking my tickets early for this game as I have a Manly supporter who will be joining me for the game, I only hope she will not be too upset when her team loses lol.
Bulldogs ~ That's my team =)
Round 4 tips
Ok here goes round 4 tips;
Dogs
Broncos
Storm (just for you Cheryl lol)
Cowboys
Raiders
Eagles
Panthers
Dragons
Tonights game with the Dogs are Rabbitohs should be a good one. I hope the boys are not too harsh on Asotasi, then again he is a trader lol. Go the Dogs!!
Round 3 for the Dogs
Woo Hoo we won our first game this season. Far out I can not remember the last time the Dogs played so poorly. Even yesterday, yeah we won, but it really was a poor game. I am hoping the Boyz get some momentium and lift their game this week as the Rabbitohs are on a winning streak and look hard to beat. It will be interesting to see how the boyz treat Asotasi (former Bulldog player).
The Dogs fans had a band at the game yesterday, heaps of drums and it was awesome. They got the crowd going so well...Can not wait to hear them again =)
And yes the highlight of the day had to be leaving the stadium, we are in the car heading home and who do we see at a set of lights...... SBW in a car with his mates. OMG 2 weeks in a row, poor guy will be thinking I am stalking him. My friends were most excited to see him, although we got not pics or conversation ho hum. Friends were not impressed when I mentioned how close I was to him last week ~ I think "shut up" were a few words they told me lol
ok well that is all from me atm, an excited little Dogs fan eagerly awaiting Friday night when we take on the Rabbitohs @ Telstra Stadium, oh and yes I have my tickets already =)
Round 3 tips
Well here are my tips for this week;
Panthers
Tigers
Cowboys
Rabbits
Warriors
Dogs
Manly (spew lol)
Knights
Bulldogs vs Panthers Round 2
Panthers Thrash Bulldogs 40-10
Well that was the headline and that is exactly what happened. The Dogs just did nothing the whole night. Mason was a great leader on the night, Ryan (Captain) made some good ground and scored a try for the boyz. But the rest of them did nothing. Penrith deserved their win and worked hard for it, well done boys.
Having a few players out would not have helped; Utai, ankle injury back round 3 - SBW judicary back round 4 - Sherwin, dropped to premier league to earn his place back in first grade. In saying that though we still had an awesome amount of talent on the field, but they did nothing. It was great to see the dogs supporters out @ Penrith CUA stadium, but very dissapointing to see most of them leave with 10 minutes to go. Seriously support the Dogs win or lose, do not bloody leave the gound before the full time siren.
This coming week the Dogs have their first home game of the year so hopefully there will be a large number of Dogs fans get down to Telstra to cheer to boys on against the Titans. The Titans will be playing their first match in NSW so it will be interesting to see if crowd support follow them. Either way it will be a great game this weekend and I will definaly be there. Hopefully I will meet SBW again lol.
Oh and on another note I was discusted to see that Tony Archer was still a referee in first grade, he was the ref for Tigers vs Manly. I certantly hope he does not get the job of refing a Bulldogs match again this year, because Archer the fans do not like you and we will let you know it come game day.
SBW
Well this is a pic of the man I met the other night @ the Footy - Mr Sonny Bill Williams!!!
Come on Cheryl I know your not an NRL fan, but you have to admit he's sexy!!! lol
*faint* *drool*
OMG I am soooooo excited
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I MET SONNY BILL WILLIAMS! AND I HAVE A PHOTO OF ME WITH HIM!!! OMG OMG OMG
Sorry I know I was yelling there lol, but OMG I am soooooooooooooooo excited
Bulldogs vs Knights Round 1
Well I'm not normally one to whinge about losing a game. It happens, you win some you lose some. But when you lose all because the referee was a complete incompetent moron, well then I whinge.
I would like to understand his decision to send SBW off. Yes it was a careless tackle, but far from deserving a send off. Johns fell into Williams' arm, it was an accident, nothing delibrate in it. A penalty yes, sin bin, harsh but perhaps. Then the ref waited to see how Andrew Johns was before making a decision on SBW. That is disgraceful. So now we are going to have players staying down for longer, calling for a stretcher all because the punishment on the attacking team will be far worse! Not on at all!
Then the try to Hickey, (the disallowed one), that is also atrocious. Anyone that I have spoken with since the game have all agreed it was a try. Enough said already on that one.
Oh and let's talk about the onside rule. Does Tony Archer know what 10 metres is? Both teams in this game were hardly on side for the entire 80minutes out there. And forward passes, blatent forward pass for Newcastle which wasn't picked up and they went in to score. Yet the Dogs threw a forward pass which remarkable was picked up.
I don't think Tony Archer should be a referee in the NRL, send him back to under 10's and teach him the rules before sending him back on the field with a whistle in first grade.
Albeit Newcastle walked away with the points, and congratulations to them. I also hope that Andrew Johns is feeling better and not injured badly.
Tony Archer, I hope we never meet again.
And next week we have Panthers vs Bulldogs out at Penrith Stadium on Friday Night. That should make for an awesome game of footy!!!
Bulldogs ~ That's my Team!!
Who do you support?
Hello Bloggers,
Since my time here @ Blognow I have met some lovely Bloggers; kind, caring and wonderful people. Now I want to meet all you league fans.
Ok you may have realised from my page here that I’m a Bulldogs fan, don’t be jealous ~ maybe you can win the Premiership next year, but 2007 is Year of the Dog!!!
I’m one Canterbury Bulldogs fan that believes the re-signing of SBW for 5 years will do wonders for the club. He has been plagued by injury in the past, but I’m confident that his knee will stand up to the test, and he will prove to everyone that he is worth the money.
Sad news however about Mark (Shrek) O’Meley, it doesn’t look as though he will re-sign with the Dogs, unfortunately with the salary cap you just can’t keep all the players you would like. From my understanding the Dogs have made him an offer and he has rejected it twice now. Ho Hum, it will be interesting to see how this saga pans out.
Well best of luck to those who support other teams, and congratulations to those who support the Dogs ~ lol
Only 5 days, 7 hours and 30 minutes until the season begins ~ Woo Hoo!
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A few picks from the ANZAC testWoo Hoo win for the Dogs =)
Willie Mason
Williams out with hamstring complaint
Round 6 tips
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