He's known as SBW, Sonny Bill Williams or, as Brisbane discovered yesterday, 'Super Bulldog Weapon'.
The Kiwis colossus ignored back pain to inspire the battling Bulldogs to a drought busting 26-18 win at Suncorp Stadium, continuing a remarkable weekend of rugby league upsets started by the Titans onFriday night.
"He (Williams) and Johnathan Thurston are the best footy players I've ever played with," declared lock Reni Maitua after the Dogs snapped a five-game losing streak in front of a crowd of 37,683 featuring lots of blue and white jumpers.
"The amount of work he (Williams) does in defence and how he comes back into the attack and gets his hands on the ball twice in each set .... he's an unbelievable athlete.
"His presence on the field lifts everyone. I just love the kid, he's such an amazing competitor .... an inspiration to everyone."
The Bulldogs spoiled Darren Lockyer's injury comeback.
"I felt a bit rusty and my match fitness is not there but it was good to be back," said Lockyer who returned to action in the second half just as Williams smashed through Dave Taylor and Karmichael Hunt in the 48th minute to give the visitors a 20-8 lead after the scores were locked 8-8 at half time.
"I've got mixed emotions. The knee came through the game and I'm happy about that but I'm obviously disappointed with the result," said the Brisbane skipper.
Maitua said the Bulldogs loved playing at Suncorp Stadium where their last eight games had produced six wins.
"We knew we were building towards something after we played very stupid against Souths (losing after leading 24-6) and we came up here pretty confident," said Maitua.
