Williams Lets Off Steam As Dogs Upset Cronulla

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday May 27, 2008

By TODD BALYM AAP

AFTER weeks of pressure, Bulldogs superstar Sonny Bill Williams finally erupted last night with an explosion of anger and a wild punch thrown at Cronulla prop Ben Ross during his side's 30-22 upset NRL win at ANZ Stadium.

Williams reacted angrily to being pushed from behind by Ross after his successful one-on-one strip was ruled as a penalty in the 58th minute.

Williams got to his feet to first throw the ball at the Sharks forward followed by a wild swing.

Referee Tony Archer intervened and gave the wayward Kiwi international a stern warning about his behaviour, particularly after his earlier face-to-face confrontation with fiery Cronulla forward Greg Bird in the final minute before half-time.

It has been a tumultuous period for Williams, who is reportedly looking to get out of the final four years of his five-year $2 million deal with the Bulldogs to chase more money in rugby union.

And his actions during last night's match could give an insight into the frustrations he is feeling.

"Time for you to listen," Archer said to Williams, his words perhaps prophetic of what club bosses should be delivering to their star player. "I gave you the benefit before half-time. You go one more time and I will sit you down."

The brain explosion from Williams clearly did not affect his ability to play football as he scored a first-half try and was a constant menace in attack as the Bulldogs scored a five-tries-to-four boilover against the Sharks.

Williams denied the speculation over his future had been hard on him.

"Not too tough at all," he said.

"Just sticking to what I know to do and that's play footy. Make sure I do the little things right and be as professional as I can."

He would not talk to the media after the game but Sharks coach Ricky Stuart believes his outburst was linked to his off-field drama and praised his own players for not reacting with fists to the confrontation.

"There is obviously a lot going through Sonny's life at the moment, he is probably a little frustrated," said Stuart.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes denied the on-field incidents were linked to the turmoil Williams has brought upon himself off the paddock.

"If you're trying to say he is frustrated because of the week he has had, I think that is pretty much off the mark," said Folkes.

"It's a pretty emotional game I suppose. All forwards like to get some dominance so I assume it was just that."

The win snaps a three-game losing streak for the Bulldogs and ruined Cronulla's chance to move from eighth into the top four on the table.

Bulldogs fullback Cameron Phelps, who departs to join Wigan today, produced a superb swansong with a hand in two tries for centre Tim Winitana.

Five-eighth Daniel Holdsworth was also instrumental in attack, setting up tries and scoring his own solo 50-metre effort before limping off with a corked quadricep in the second half.

Winitana's second try in the 45th minute appeared to create a matchwinning 24-4 lead over the low-scoring Sharks, but Cronulla were not finished.

Tries to Danny Nutley and Brett Kimmorley within seven minutes set up an enthralling finish.

Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan stemmed the fightback by completing a 60m play to give his side 14 points of breathing space before Cronulla centre Ben Pomeroy stormed over in the 69th minute as the Sharks refused to lie down.

Sharks fullback Brett Kearney suffered a first-half ankle injury and did not return to the field.

AAP

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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