SYDNEY, 3 May 2004 — The Canterbury Bulldogs capped a turnaround in their off-field fortunes with an impressive 25-18 National Rugby League victory over the Brisbane Broncos at the Sydney Olympic stadium yesterday.
The Bulldogs had a huge amount of pressure released last week when police decided no-one would be charged over a woman’s claim she was gang-raped by six Bulldogs players last February.
Police closed the case because there was not enough evidence to charge the six accused players. However, the game’s governing body imposed an immediate $110,000 for misconduct.
The Bulldogs put aside their off-field turmoil to stay two points clear at the top of the NRL standings from the Sydney Roosters after coming from 18-12 down with 15 minutes to go to claim a prestige win over the in-form Broncos.
Brisbane playmaker Darren Lockyer finished on the bench nursing a rib injury and could miss Queensland’s opening State of Origin game with New South Wales if the rib is cracked. Second-rower Willie Mason was again outstanding and put the seal on the win with an 80th-minute try.
The Roosters scored four opening-half tries to set the platform for a convincing 28-8 victory over Canberra at the Sydney Football Stadium with coach Ricky Stuart describing his players’ defensive efforts as the best he’s seen.
