Playing his first game in the local competition since he was a skinny fullback for Toronto Scorpions in 1999, Abraham hardened by 100 first-grade games for the Knights played a starring role at five-eighth.

His crisp passing helped set up two tries for centre Luke Mercer and a double for winger Jake Kerr.

The Bulldogs breathed life into a competition that was quickly becoming a three-horse race between Cessnock, Central Charlestown and Wyong.

They are still fourth on the ladder and three points behind third-placed Wyong but showed signs they are a genuine premiership threat.

"It was really good to catch up with Reegs [Reegan Tanner] and Quigs [Luke Quigley] and play with a few mates," Abraham said.

"It was a pretty gutsy win in the end because Wyong have been going all right from all reports.

"It was a great way to start with the club and there's still a lot of footy left in the season so hopefully we can improve a little bit and be there at the end of the year."

Wyong had not lost a game since round four when they were beaten 36-18 by Western Suburbs.

Hooker Mitch Williams, who orchestrated Wyong's 32-14 win over Kurri earlier in the season, was given little room to move by the tenacious Bulldogs defence.

Front-rowers Marty Oborn and Mick Campton dominated in the middle, which gave Abraham time to organise the attack on the edges.

"They are a good bunch of blokes here," said Abraham who left Queensland Cup side Mackay mid-season to return to Newcastle. "I've only been here a week and they've already made me feel at home.

"It would be great to come here and be part of the side that makes the semis for the first time in 10 years."

Cessnock increased their lead with a controversial 32-12 win over second-placed Central Charlestown at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.

The match was marred by an ugly incident where a spectator abused touch judge Julie Young, sparking an inquiry from NRL officials.

Nelson Bay kept their finals hopes alive with a thrilling 24-22 win over Macquarie yesterday at Tomaree Oval.

In Saturday's other matches, South Newcastle beat Maitland 24-18 and Western Suburbs hammered Lakes 62-10 at Cahill Oval.