Broncos make it back-to-back wins against improved Warriors

v BYE

The Brisbane Broncos have defeated the New Zealand Warriors 25-10 in a tight encounter at Suncorp Stadium played before a crowd of 35,230.

Having made an imposing statement against Parramatta last week, the Broncos returned home for the first time in 2016 looking to heap further misery upon the Warriors and under-siege coach Andrew McFadden.

Opening proceedings with a third minute penalty goal, Brisbane maintained their impressive start with a try that saw Anthony Milford exploit the Warriors right-edge defence, allowing winger Corey Oates to cross in the corner.

With the Broncos seemingly in control of the match, a lapse close to the try-line saw the Warriors hit back in the 18th minute through big name recruit Issac Luke, who burrowed under from close range to plant the ball down underneath the black dot.

Despite conceding a penalty goal that saw the visitors take the lead, Brisbane hit back swiftly courtesy of a bullocking run from returning centre Jack Reed, who raced 40 metres to touch down after consistent pressure targeting Blake Ayshford and Tuimoala Lolohea.

With Shaun Johnson adding a penalty goal after the halftime siren, the Warriors headed into the sheds buoyed by their improved performance, but injuries to Blake Ayshford (concussion) and Manu Vatuvei (rib cartilage) saw the visitors reduced to 15 men early in the second half.

In spite of the adversity faced, the Warriors looked to gain the ascendency early after the resumption of play, but an inability to penetrate the Broncos defence saw fatigue set in and leave the visitors vulnerable.

With 25 minutes remaining the Warriors were unable to repel repeated pressure from the home side, allowing fullback Darius Boyd to cross out wide. After overcoming a quad injury expected to rule him out for a month, Jordan Kahu nailed a sideline conversion to give the Broncos an 18-10 lead.

Ultimately the home side proved too strong as backrower Matt Gillett charged off a short ball from Ben Hunt to take the lead to two converted tries, before Anthony Milford nailed a late field-goal and penalty to see Brisbane run out 25-10 winners.

In the only blow for the home side, winger Corey Oates sustained a shoulder injury late in the match that may see him spend some time on the sidelines.

While the end result proved unfavourable for the Warriors, a much-improved performance against one of the NRL heavyweights will give the New Zealand club cause for optimism after their opening round debacle.

For the second straight week, Brisbane heavily favoured their left-edge which saw major off-season signing James Roberts with limited opportunities to attack. Noted as one of the most dangerous players in the NRL, Roberts will be looking for more involvement after two solid, but quiet showings for his new club.

In Round 3 the Broncos travel to Penrith on Saturday night to tackle the luckless Panthers, while the Warriors will host their first home game of the season against archrivals Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.