No choice but to bench Sonny Bill

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes says he had no option but to bench superstar forward Sonny Bill Williams for Friday night's blockbuster with St George Illawarra.

Folkes says his hand was forced by the availability of NSW State of Origin props Mark O'Meley and Willie Mason. Folkes also has fellow Origin representatives Andrew Ryan and Nate Myles, New Zealand Test star Roy Asotasi and City rep Reni Maitua in his forward ranks.