It was the Dally M leader, Jacob Kiraz who silenced the Mt Smart faithful early when he slid in, finishing off a slick lead-up by Kyle Flanagan and Jake Averillo.
When hooker Reed Mahoney executed his second 40-20 of the season, the Bulldogs had all the momentum in their attacking end but the Warriors reduced the deficit 8-6 just before half-time.
Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr continued his hot streak in the 44th minute with a spectacular long-range try.
After a mountain of possession, the Warriors went in and the 10-14 score had them back in the game.
Come the 66th minute and they produced the match-winner to put the home side in front for the first time and hang onto it.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo was not disappointed though.
“I just said to the boys, I am prouder this week than I have been the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“I thought the 80-minute performance we were looking for, that was much closer to that. The grit they showed throughout was outstanding.”
The Bulldogs will host the Cowboys in a huge clash on Sunday from 6.15pm at Accor Stadium.
The Knock On Effect NSW Cup, Warriors d Bulldogs, 30-18; Jersey Flegg Cup, bye; UNE Harold Matthews Cup, bye; UNE SG ball Cup, Bulldogs d Warriors, 26-0; Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, bye; Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup, Bulldogs d Sharks, 56-0.
