Broncos surge past Knights to reach NRLW preliminary final

Brisbane kept their NRLW premiership defence on course with a 40-16 elimination-final victory over Newcastle. The Broncos raced to a 34-0 half-time lead and will meet Gold Coast in next weekend’s preliminary final, although Bree Spreadborough left with an ankle injury.

Defending NRLW premiers Brisbane have advanced to a preliminary final after overwhelming Newcastle 40-16 at Langlands Park, according to ABC News Australia.

The Broncos dominated from the opening minutes and led 34-0 at half-time. They scored seven tries to Newcastle’s three, with Romy Teitzel crossing twice as Brisbane produced a fourth consecutive victory.

Newcastle struggled to build pressure early. The Knights did not complete a set of six until the 16th minute, while Brisbane’s attack was directed by Tamika Upton, Jesse Southwell and Teitzel, all of whom had previously been associated with Newcastle.

Teitzel opened the scoring after Knights fullback Lucy Spain dropped a bomb from Southwell. Robinson then added another try before prop Shannon Mato powered over, and Teitzel scored again. Upton followed with a four-pointer, while a grubber from the fullback created an opportunity for centre Georgia Bartlett to score.

Brianna Clark crossed after the interval, extending Brisbane’s advantage. Newcastle improved in the second half, with Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Shanice Parker and Sidney Taylor scoring tries, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

The result sets up a preliminary-final meeting with Gold Coast next weekend. ABC News Australia also reported concerns for Brisbane, with Bree Spreadborough sustaining an ankle injury and lock Lillian Yarrow placed on report for a lifting tackle. In the other listed final, Canberra defeated Wests Tigers 6-0 for the Raiders’ first NRLW finals win.