Broncos break duck in derby win

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Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans

Brisbane Broncos are on the board for the NRLW season after their 22-4 win over Gold Coast Titans on Saturday afternoon at Moreton Daily Stadium. 

The Broncos are a much-changed side after their three Premierships but they have broken their duck with a win against local rivals Titans off the back of a superb hat-trick from Jaime Chapman and a Chelsea Lenarduzzi four-pointer. 

Both sides were winless for their 2022 second campaign and wanted to take bragging rights in the derby. Brisbane Broncos started well with some solid work while the Titans just couldn't get out of their own way with errors and penalties. 

The Broncos were first to score points when Chapman showed some fantastic skill to beat her defenders and dive over in the corner for 4-0 before front rower Chelsea Lenarduzzi doubled their delight when she powered over to make it eight. 

The three time Premiership winners were in complete control. Tarryn Aitken was driving the team across the park and they added a third just before the break, again through Chapman, who once again beat defenders with ease for 12-0. 

Pre-match Titans coach Karyn Murphy talked about her side needing to be disciplined with the ball. They were anything but that in the first half, as they spilled the ball in good areas several times and were unable to sustain any pressure. 

Titans needed a response after the break and got on the board. Some good slick hands ended up with Madison Bartlett diving across on the right hand side and giving them some hope at 12-4. 

The Broncos pushed their advantage to 16 with another well worked move. This time it was a slick backline movement to Shanae Ciesiolka who had the simple walk in four-pointer to make it 18-4 after Brianna Clark's fabulous conversion.

Broncos capped off the maiden win with Chapman's hat-trick. The centre was dazzling with her footwork once more on a slick surface in Redcliffe and crossed in the corner to make it 22-4. 

It will be relief for Broncos coach Kelvin Wright after back-to-back losses to start the season but it gives them a chance at finals football still. For the Titans, they face a long road back if they are to do anything this season and need to fix up their handling.