Australian Tri-nations centre Willie Tonga scored a hat-trick as NRL premiers the Bulldogs registered their first win of the year.

Having been well beaten by Leeds and Canberra in their previous preseason matches, the Dogs came from behind to easily account for 2004 wooden spooners South Sydney 40-16 in front of 10,890 fans at Members Equity Stadium.

Buoyed by last Saturday's Charity Shield win against St George Illawarra, Souths dominated the early exchanges but a piece of Sonny Bill Williams magic put the Bulldogs on the road to victory.

Williams unleashed a seemingly impossible offload for five-eighth Braith Anasta to score in the 16th minute and the Belmore side led 10-6 at halftime.

The only negative for coach Steve Folkes was a twisted ankle which forced second rower Reni Maitua off early in the game but in positive news prop Mark O'Meley made a successful return after offseason knee and elbow surgery.

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