The Bulldogs' Australian National Rugby League title challenge is back on track following Friday's 28-10 win over Parramatta.

The Bulldogs' five tries-to-two victory was the perfect response to a rare slip-up last round against the New Zealand Warriors.

By contrast, the result left the Eels' title quest in tatters after their seventh defeat in eight matches.

With just three rounds of the minor premiership remaining, Parramatta must beat Northern Eagles, West Tigers and North Queensland and hope other results go their way in order to guarantee a play-off berth.

After the match Parramatta coach Brian Smith admitted that even if the Eels made the finals, they would struggle to match the likes of the Bulldogs.

Nothing could halt the progress of the Bulldogs, and their New Zealand Test centre Willie Talau.

Talau recorded a first half try-scoring double and had two more efforts disallowed by the video referee to help Bulldogs to a virtually unassailable 22-0 half-time lead.

The victory was the Bulldogs' 18th of the season and they are now six competition points clear of second-placed Brisbane, who are away to the third-placed Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

Saturday's Australian National Rugby League results:

Melbourne Storm 42-10 Penrith Panthers Canberra Raiders 12-38 Sydney Roosters Newcastle Knights 28-14 Northern Eagles

Played on Friday:
Bulldogs 28-10 Parramatta Eels
Melbourne Storm 42-10 Penrith Panthers
Canberra Raiders 12-38 Sydney Roosters
Newcastle Knights 28-14 Northern Eagles