Broncos roll on in Queensland derby

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North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos have asserted their credentials as the kings of Queensland with a 30-14 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.

In an epic encounter evoking memories of clashes between the two Queensland rivals during the mid-2010s, the Broncos held their nerve to join the Panthers on 36 competition points and all but assure a top two finish.

Surviving an early scare with Kyle Feldt forced over the sideline from a scrum play, the Broncos responded in the following set through Jesse Arthars (6th minute) who touched down in the corner.

Playing in front of a sold-out Townsville crowd during a rare Saturday afternoon fixture, the Cowboys made amends for leaving points on the table with Feldt (13th minute) finishing off an attacking raid down the left edge.

Holding a slender lead midway through the half, the Broncos were left to lament multiple missed opportunities with Thomas Flegler ignoring Ezra Mam in support with the try line open and Brendan Piakura becoming entangled with Kotoni Staggs close to the line.

Seizing the ascendancy following a short pass from Billy Walters to Patrick Carrigan (24th minute), the Broncos appeared to go further ahead only for Semi Valemei to hold Herbie Farnworth up in a determined tackle over the line.

A penalty goal to Chad Townsend after the halftime siren saw the Broncos take a 12-6 lead to the change of ends.

Losing Arthars early in the second half with a Category 1 head knock, Kotoni Staggs re-established an eight-point buffer after Jamayne Taunoa-Brown was penalised for a crusher tackle in front of the posts.

Taking the score to 20-6 after Mam (52nd minute) backed up an attacking run from Carrigan, the Cowboys hit back after Feldt (58th minute) crossed for his second of the afternoon.

Securing the result following a stellar break by Staggs from inside their own half, Reece Walsh (72nd minute) was overcome with emotion after touching down for his sixth try of the season.

The Cowboys continued to rally with Heilum Luki (74th minute) narrowing the margin to ten-points, however a botched try to Feldt in the following set killed off any hope of a comeback. 

An intercept to Selwyn Cobbo (79th minute) on fulltime capped the result with the Broncos running out 30-14 victors. 

Next week, the Cowboys have their final bye of the season, while the Broncos will host the Eels at The Gabba on Friday night.