The nib Newcastle Knights have achieved a crucial two points with a 22-16 victory over the Bulldogs at Cbus Super Stadium.
The four tries to three win cements the side in the top eight in seventh spot and improves the team to four points above their nearest opponent.
With two rounds to play, the result is a huge manouever in the side's pursuit of a finals appearance.
After an energetic start, Hymel Hunt produced an incredible acrobatic finish in the corner but was ruled to have put a foot out on the put down and the try was overruled.
The Knights weren't to be denied only minutes later producing another incredible piece of play.
A Mitchell Pearce kick look destined to go dead however a flying Mitch Barnett flicked the ball back into play and Jacob Saifiti was on hand to ground the ball.
Barnett with the effort play to tap it back for Jacob Saifiti
Jake Clifford added the two to give the Knights a 6-0 lead after 10 minutes of play.
Newcastle continued to control the majority of the possession in the opening stages.
The Knights defended their line against the Dogs attack for a few sets and turned the table with more points of their own on the 25th minute mark.
A pinpoint Clifford kick found Enari Tuala and the winger grounded the ball for the side's second try of the night.
The four-pointer was Tuala's ninth try for the season.
Tuala wins the race to a Clifford kick
Newcastle would close out the half and took a 10-0 lead into the break.
The Dogs hit back after the half-time interval with Nick Meaney scoring against his old team.
Canterbury were making a game of it during the second half as an intense battle ensued.
It took a scintillating Clifford run to take the line on and burst the sturdy Dogs defence, scoring the Knights crucial third try on the 57th minute mark.
The try-scorer added the two points to extend the Knights lead to 10 points with 20 minutes to play.
Jirah Momoisea made his appearance in the second half running on for his first game in the top grade.
The match started to open up after the circuit-breaker try and Bradman Best posted the Knights fourth try of the night.
Connor Watson broke through the defensive line deep into the side's own half before finding Clifford. The five-eight made significant ground and drawed-and-passed to Best who ran around under the sticks.
The Dogs would claw back a try with 10 minutes to play with Ryan James crossing with a barge over attempt.
A freakish Jayden Okunbor try with 40 seconds to play bridged the gap, however it was too late.
Newcastle would hold onto their six point lead and secure the important win.
