LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a thrilling clash on Sunday afternoon in Bundaberg, the Bulldogs managed to hold off a late surge from the Dolphins to secure a hard-fought 23-22 victory.
With just two minutes remaining on the clock, the Bulldogs conceded a try to Anthony Milford, causing anxiety among their ranks as Jamayne Isaako, the NRL's leading point scorer, attempted the potentially game-winning conversion from a difficult angle, only to miss wide.
However, it was a seemingly peculiar decision by Matt Burton to kick a field goal in the last minute of the first half that ultimately proved to be the decisive factor, extending the Bulldogs' lead to three points and securing their seventh win of the season.
This triumph further distances the Bulldogs from the Wests Tigers at the bottom of the ladder, especially with a bye in Round 23 on the horizon.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, this loss likely extinguishes any remaining aspirations of a top-eight finish in their inaugural season.
The Bulldogs were bolstered by the return of five key players, including star recruit Viliame Kikau, who made an immediate impact in his first game back from a pectoral injury sustained in Round 4.
Kikau not only scored his team's first try but also injected much-needed variety into the Bulldogs' attacking plays.