Broncos begin NRLW title defence with win over Dragons

Brisbane have overcome a fast-starting Dragons outfit to run home 14-4 winners in their opening NRLW clash in front of a crowd of 6609 at Bankwest Stadium.

The fiery contest lived up to expectations with some bruising hits and plenty of feeling among the players with five former Broncos joining the Dragons squad in the off-season.

But it was the class of the reigning champions late in the second half that saw them pull away on the scoreboard after both sides were level 4-4 at half-time.

Broncos forward Amber Hall powered her way over the line with hooker Lavinia Gould executing a set play from close range in the 12th minute.

Hall was among the best on the paddock in her maiden appearance in the NRLW competition, while she was well supported by front row partner Millie Boyle.

The Broncos broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Amber Pilley kept the ball alive for Meg Ward to crash her way over on the right edge.

Veteran forward Rona Peters joined Paris-Hall to put on a jarring hit on Kezie Apps, before burrowing her way under the posts for the eventual match-winner late.

The Dragons, who were dubbed pre-season favourites after a mammoth recruitment campaign, started the clash well considering the side had never played a game with each other.

But their decision-making and kicking game late in the clash left a lot to be desired, while they coughed up the ball on three occasions to let the Broncos off the hook with the clock winding down.