The Manly Sea Eagles have overcome a slow start to register a 30-22 victory over the Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.
After giving up the opening two tries of the match, the Sea Eagles went on to score 30 unanswered points which set-up the win and moved them back into the top eight with a 4-3 win-loss record.
Matt Orford was superb all night for the Sea Eagles, the champion halfback controlling proceedings in the middle of the park, while Steve Bell, Jamie Lyon and the Stewart brothers provided plenty of support.
After dominating the opening quarter of the match, the Bulldogs lacked spark and sorely missed the services of Luke Patten, after the fullback was a late withdrawal with a back strain.
The Bulldogs started the match in style, Heka Nanai and Sonny Bill Williams scoring tries in the opening exchanges as the visitors took the early advantage.
Debutant Brent Crisp could only manage one conversion from the two attempts, but the Bulldogs led 10-0 after 16 minutes and looked to be in control.
However, a string of Bulldogs' errors allowed the Sea Eagles back into the match within no time.
It was the underrated Glenn Stewart that got Manly's first four-pointer after some lovely work from Orford, before Lyon made a sensational pass to Bell moments later to level the scores at 10-10.
Orford failed to convert Bell's try, but the Sea Eagles were starting to get on top.
Both teams had chances before the break to add to their scoreline, but some solid defence ensured it was all locked up (10-10) at half-time.
Shortly after the resumption, it was the old firm of Orford and Brett Stewart that combined to score a superb four-pointer.
On the last tackle, Orford kicked one of his trademark banana kicks which Brett Stewart chased and jumped over Andrew Ryan to plant down the ball, much to the delight of the home fans.
Bulldogs hooker Corey Hughes was placed on report for a late hit on Orford but the star halfback recovered quickly to add the extras to give the Sea Eagles a 16-10 lead .
The rampant Sea Eagles continued to attack, Bell splitting a weak Bulldogs defence to make many metres up the middle of the park before Glenn Hall made a right foot step on Williams to score close to the uprights.
Orford nailed the simple conversion as the Sea Eagles moved out to a 22-10 lead and the match was over shortly after when Adam Cuthbertson bustled over from close range.
Tim Winitana and Crisp crossed over for two late consolation tries for the Bulldogs, but it was too little too late as Manly held on for another victory at Brookvale.
Sea Eagles 30
Tries: G. Stewart, Bell, B. Stewart, Hall, Cuthbertson
Conversions: Orford 4
Penalty goals: Orford
Bulldogs 22
Tries: Nanai, Williams, Winitana, Crisp
Conversions: Crisp 3
Sportal's NRL Player of the Year:
3 - Matt Orford (Sea Eagles)
2 - Steve Bell (Sea Eagles)
1 - Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)