Kurri Kurri coach Paul Stringer showed faith in Jordi Madden by signing the halfback to a new deal this week.
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The 24-year-old responded with his best performance of the season.
Madden scored a brilliant individual try and played a hand in two others as the Bulldogs upset Central Newcastle 30-10 at St John Oval on Saturday.
In his second season with the Bulldogs after moving from Dubbo CYMS, Madden sold two dummies and then powered through three attempted tackles to give the visitors a 14-4 lead after half an hour.
The Butcher Boys scored converted tries either side of half-time to jump ahead 16-14.
Enter Madden.
The wiry playmaker grubbered in behind the tryline for Flynn Mitchell to touch down in the 60th minute,and them turned a pass inside for second-rower Jack Tamburrini to crash over.
Game over.
"When Central got in front early in the second half, I didn't feel panicked," Stringer said. "I thought we were still in control of the game.
"It was Jordi's best game of the year. He re-signed during the week and it might have gave him a bit of confidence.
"I have given him a licence to run the team. He's is learning and growing.
"We have signed the majority of the squad now. I know what we've got there. Our eldest players, Matt Woolnough and Reid Alchin, are 27 .
"We had a debutant play for us Cody Baker, an 18-year-old who is in the Knights system. He was fantastic.
"The future is looking bright for the Kurri Bulldogs."
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Stringer went old school regarding preparation after the 22-12 loss to Souths left Kurri on four points after seven rounds.
"There was a bit of a change in dynamic during the week and a bit of a change in attitude," he said.
"I didn't do any video. I didn't do a review on our previous game like I normally do. I also do a preview on who we playing.
"I did nothing during the week. I told them we were worrying about us and that our season was on the line.
"We had some big expectations and goals at the start of the year, and we were not achieving them.
"We needed to start winning games of footy. And winning them well.
"That was definitely our best 80 minutes. It's what the coaching staff has been looking for because we know what quality we have there."
In other games Saturday, Maps Uasi scored a double to help steer South Newcastle to a 40-12 win over Lakes United at Townson Oval on Old Boys' Day.
Winger Jack White and five-eighth Mitch Henderson each crossed twice as Cessnock dispatched Macquarie 42-18 at Lyall Peacock Oval.
Winger Ethan Parry landed a brace to lead Maitland to a 34-18 victory over Wests at home.
On Sunday, Northern Hawks held off The Entrance 20-18 at EDSACC South.
