The New Zealand Warriors unleashed their devastating array of attacking talent at the Sydney Showground and the result sent shockwaves through the National Rugby League finals series.

The Warriors tore the Bulldogs, the premiership favourites heading into tonight's qualifying final, to shreds with a nine-try romp on their way to a 48-22 victory.

Winger Francis Meli was the star of the show, entering his name in the record books by becoming the first player in premiership history to score five tries in a finals game.

But he had plenty of partners in crime.

Centre Clinton Toopi and lock Sione Faumuina combined with Meli to tear the Bulldogs to shreds down the left hand side of the field, Motu Tony came off the bench to create havoc and the forward pack, led by Richard Villasanti, dominated its opposition.

"I still get heart palpitations every now and then," Warriors coach Daniel Anderson said.

"Sometimes I sit in the box a bit amazed at the skill. They back themselves ... so I can't complain.

"I might whinge every now and then, but I can't complain."

The 24-year-old Meli had scored 18 tries this season but there was no sign of what was to come.

He crossed twice in the opening half as the Warriors took a 16-4 lead into the break and completed his hat trick in the 50th minute - with teammate Brent Webb in the sin-bin for a professional foul.

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