Top of the table: Broncos close in on NRLW minor premiership with huge win over the Dragons

Not even a bombed try in the final minute could spoil the party as the Broncos sent an ominous warning to their rivals on the eve of the finals.

The Broncos have wrapped up a top-two finish and could clinch the NRLW minor premiership if results go their way after they recovered from another slow start to slay the Dragons 44-14.

The result puts them on 14 points, two clear of the Roosters who face the Eels tomorrow and will need to win by at least 20 points if they want to jump Brisbane into first place.

It’s an incredible turnaround by the Broncos who lost their first two matches of the season but have won seven on the trot and have scored more points than anyone else.

Slow starts continue to plague them but it helps when you’ve got try-scoring machines like Julia Robinson and Mele Hufanga who both hit the scoreboard, while Shenae Ciesiolka crossed twice in three minutes to put her side in front.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi scored a brilliant try in the second half as the Broncos flexed their muscles on the eve of the finals. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Their only concern next week is Romy Teitzel who came off at half-time with a back injury, but the rest of their forward pack is firing with Chelsea Lenarduzzi scoring a try that fullbacks would’ve been proud of to put the result beyond doubt.

They did miss the chance to rack up 50 points when Hufanga inexplicably dropped the ball as she went to slam it down in the final minute, costing her the chance to become the fourth Bronco to bag a double in the big win.

SWEET AND SOWARD

Saturday’s clash in Townsville was Jamie Soward’s last as coach with the Dragons announcing earlier this month that his contract would not be renewed for 2025.

It brings to an end his four-year tenure which saw the Dragons make the grand final in his first year in charge, only for the wins to dry up as a stack of players went elsewhere.

The Dragons started on fire in searing conditions as they raced out to a 10-0 lead with young gun Kasey Reh setting up a try with a kick to continue her tremendous start in the NRLW.

But they fell away after that with the Red V unable to match it with the ladder leaders, with the loss ending the career of veteran forward Steph Hancock who is set to retire after 40 games in the competition.

Tamika Upton had another dominant game in attack as the Knights warmed up for the finals with a big win over the Cowboys. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

They’ve flown under the radar a bit this season, but the Knights are ready to defend their crown with the two-time defending champions warming up for the NRLW finals with a crushing 38-6 win over the Cowboys.

The Knights have jumped into second spot for now but will slip down to third if the Roosters beat Parramatta on Sunday, but Newcastle have all the momentum with 84 points in their past two games.

Tamika Upton was unstoppable again as she threw the final pass for three tries, while Yasmin Clydsdale had a field day in the back row with 198 metres, five offloads, a try and an assist.

They haven’t been at their best this year but the Knights appear to have found form at the perfect time with their attack clicking into gear, capped off by a late double to Sheridan Gallagher who continued her stellar season on the wing.

HEADING NORTH

They’ve missed the finals for the second year in a row, but there are promising signs for the Cowboys who doubled their win total from their inaugural season.

Their spine is classy and they have strike out wide in the form of Jakiya Whitfeld, but they have issues in defence and are one or two forwards away from having a truly competitive squad.

Originally published as Top of the table: Broncos close in on NRLW minor premiership with huge win over the Dragons