Michael Ennis and Robbie Farah went head to head in a highly-anticipated clash of NSW Origin hooker contenders that lived up to its billing on Sunday.

Ennis came out on top, just - just like his team.

The two rakes certainly didn't disappoint as they constantly one-upped each other during the Bulldogs 22-20 NRL win over Farah's Wests Tigers in front of a 25,622 crowd at ANZ Stadium.

Ennis scored a try, set up another for Bryson Goodwin, and came away with the all-important win thanks to Hazem El Masri's boot.

Farah, who had to step up in the absence of ill star playmaker Benji Marshall, was lethal in attack and set up tries for Tim Moltzen and Beau Ryan.

The pair will clash again on Friday night in the City versus Country match in Orange on Friday before the NSW Origin team is decided.

Ennis, who won the man of the match award, said he hadn't paid much attention to Farah's game and was pleased to send the Bulldogs to the top of the NRL table with the win.

"It was certainly hyped up during the week but Kevvy (Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore) and the club did a pretty good job to keep me away from all of that kind of stuff," Ennis said.

"That certainly helped but with all that being spoken about next week, the sole focus today was two points because it then turns in to four (with the bye this week).

"It (the win) is certainly more pleasing than the so called duel that you guys pumped up.

"I knew it was coming today, so I just had to get myself right with the preparation and routine that I've had for the last eight weeks and it worked."

Tigers captain Farah said he was pleased with his and his team's performance, especially without star playmaker Marshall.

"I was happy with my game but we lost," Farah said.

"To be honest you guys (media) pumped it up a bit it didn't not affect me really, I had a lot of other things to worry about.

"With Benji not there it was about getting my house in order.

"Everyone had a dig, I can't fault the guys, even though we didn't get the result, the performance was there.

"We're starting to get a bit of consistency in our game. Even though we didn't get the win, we can take a lot out of it."

Last year's wooden spooners, the Bulldogs have now won seven of eight matches and would be further ahead on the ladder if not for having their two points taken off them for an extra player in the field during the Penrith match.

Bulldogs coach Moore said the win was even more important because they have the bye next weekend.

"I thought it was a great game of footy, in the end," Moore said.

"I thought our attitude was really good.

"I thought defensively in a lot of areas we were strong but I think our decision making in defence but particularly in attack was a bit off today.

"But it was a great crowd and a great day for footy."

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