They are four competition points clear of their nearest rivals after the Bulldogs hit an unexpected pothole on Saturday night in the form of a Jarryd Hayne-inspired Parramatta.

Their vastly superior for-and-against effectively puts them three games ahead of the Dogs and Gold Coast Titans.

While the resurgent Eels, Friday night's opponents Melbourne and the plucky Panthers remain formidable obstacles in their path before the play-offs, the Dragons form is so impressive it would take a major meltdown to miss the minor premiership.

Winger Brett Morris produced a first-half double to move to 17 tries for the season.

And five-eighth Jamie Soward's remarkable transformation into one of the best attacking weapons in the competition was on show yet again yesterday.

With the red and whites already leading 18-4 at half-time, sublime Soward scooped up a kick from Warriors hooker Ian Henderson and raced 95m to score in the 61st minute.

He then coolly slotted a late field goal, before a superb chip-kick put fullback Darius Boyd in to score.

Boyd also pulled off a sensational try-saving tackle as the Dragons defence denied the Warriors, even when the Aucklanders secured a glut of possession in the lead-up to half-time.

Once notorious for wilting in the heat of battle, the Dragons' ability to put opponents to the sword has been a hallmark of their season.

With master coach Wayne Bennett at the helm, St George Illawarra's premiership prospects look even better with lock Jeremy Smith, second-rower Matt Prior and centre Matt Cooper still to return.

Friday night's blockbuster against the Storm - who have played in the past three grand finals - at Kogarah will be a dress-rehearsal for how the Dragons handle the intense spotlight of the play-offs.