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.
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.
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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs respect and honour the Darug and Eora nations, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
