Milford magic the difference as Broncos make it three in a row

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Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

A Brisbane brick wall in defence has proved enough as the Broncos outlasted the Warriors 8-2 at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

Payne Haas sent a clear message to Blues coach Brad Fittler with 204 running metres and 35 tackles, backing up his man-of-the-match effort against the Roosters last week.

Meanwhile, in his first outing against his former club Kodi Nikorima showed glimpses of his potential, his running game proving dangerous at times.

But like his other teammates, Nikorima found himself well covered by a determined Broncos side who claimed their third-straight win.

Penalty goals proved the only points of the first half as both sides rued missed opportunities.

The Warriors often found themselves deep in Brisbane territory off the back of strong starts to their sets from wingers David Fusitu'a and Ken Maumalo. The pair combined for over 380 running metres.

And while Blake Green's kicking game was strong all night, their attack inside the opposition twenty lacked the fluency needed to crack a determined Broncos outfit.

Brisbane eventually broke through for the first try of the night when Anthony Milford took the line on and sliced past some tired defenders in the 61^st minute.

It proved the difference as the Warriors couldn't capitalise on late opportunities.

Both sides are rewarded with the bye next week.