Fiji born and Melbourne Storm robust forward Tui Kamikamica was sent off with a Head Injury Assessment Category 1 but they hung on to defeat the Bulldogs 20-14 and all but secure a top two berth.
A determined second half performance by the Bulldogs almost snatched victory after trailing 12-0 at the break.
A number of close calls went against them and Melbourne's defence was the key but they also scored some brilliant tries and had to withstand the loss of Harry Grant to the sin-bin.
The win puts the Storm four points clear of the third-placed Bulldogs and they have a superior for-and-against.
It was the third consecutive win by the Storm against other finals contenders in Brisbane, Penrith and Canterbury.
The Bulldogs are all but guaranteed a top four finish after Penrith's Golden Point loss to Canberra in Mudgee.
