Match Details
Match Date	6th Jul, 2003
Opponent	Newcastle
Result	Win 48-14
Coach	Steven Folkes
Captain	Steve Price
Venue	Homebush (Telstra Stadium)
Crowd	26,234
Referee	Tim Mander

Big Willie Mason gave his hopes of a State of Origin call-up a significant boost as he came off the bench to inspire the Bulldogs to a 48-14 win over Newcastle in their National Rugby League game at Telstra Stadium today.

Mason was injected into the game after 26 minutes with the Dogs leading 12-2 following a try from another NSW hopeful Braith Anasta.

Mason, the incumbent Test forward, charged over six minutes later off a Brent Sherwin pass to give the Dogs an 18-2 lead before Craig Hall hit back for the Knights just before halftime to make the score 18-8.

The second half was an onslaught as the Dogs withstood an early Newcastle barrage to score five tries, including a 65-metre solo effort from Ben Harris, who finished the match with three four-pointers.

Mason also had a hand in their 65th minute try to Sherwin, charging onto the ball and slipping a pass to the crafty halfback, who raced 30 metres to score under the posts.

The only down side for the Dogs was hooker Corey Hughes going on report for a lifting tackle on Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus.

Source: AAP

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