Match Details
Match Date	13th Mar, 2004
Opponent	Parramatta
Result	Win 48-14
Coach	Steven Folkes
Captain	Steve Price
Venue	Homebush (Telstra Stadium)
Crowd	42,717
Referee	Steve Clark

Canterbury have produced one of the finest opening 40 minutes of football to run out winners 48-14 but the match witnessed the emergence of a future superstar in Sonny Bill Williams.

The 18-year-old centre or backrower was completely unstoppable in the first half as Parramatta had no idea how to tackle him. Williams was mainly used as a backrower in the lower grades last year but with Ben Harris injured and Matthew Utai suspended, Williams was given his chance in the centres and he's here to stay as a first grader.

Back in 1976, the frontcover on Rugby League Week said "A Star Is Born" when former Bulldogs halfback and now chief executive Steve Mortimer emerged on the scene. The same wraps and hype Mortimer received 28 years ago will be the same for Williams as he breathed life into the Bulldogs.

Critics were gleeing that the loss of Nigel Vagana would cripple the Bulldogs but Williams at 12-years younger and injury-free appears to be the wise investment. Williams' centre partner Willie Tonga certainly didn't have the impact of Williams but his performance was sensational against his former club, completely outplaying Jamie Lyon as he scored the first try of the match.

The Bulldogs led 36-0 at halftime and soon after the break went to a 42-0 lead. Naturally Canterbury clocked off during the second half as the Eels raced in three tries with Adam Dykes showing the form that made him one of the leading players when he was at the Sharks in 2001.

Hutch Maiava however ensured the Bulldogs had the final say on the match when he scored following an Eels error from the kick-off.

Parramatta's performance must be mentioned - they were disappointing and the extra bulk Brian Smith added to his side only created further gaps on the fringe of the rucks.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes still has to fit Utai, Harris and Mark O'Meley back into his squad. With two of those players being outside backs and the good form of Williams, Tonga and Jamaal Lolesi - the critics saying Vagana's loss would see them slide from 3rd to 9th are being made to look like gooses.

Canterbury have been in the headlines in recent weeks. This victory should be dedicated to the tabloids, the shock jocks and the NRL. The Bulldogs are a strong club on and off the field and they always have the ability to bounce back and stay firm in all situations.

But the match should be remembered as the night that a superstar emerged and shined.

Source: www.rleague.com

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