Maddick magic inspires Broncos to commanding derby win

A career-best day from fullback Hayley Maddick headlined the Broncos' fourth-straight victory on Sunday afternoon, as they overcame Queensland rivals the Cowboys 38-12 in Brisbane. 

In a contest that ebbed and flowed through the first 50 minutes – with no more than six points separating the two sides in that time and the lead changing hands four times in the opening half hour – Brisbane finished with a hiss and a roar to ensure they remain safely inside the top four. 

Maddick stole the show with a dazzling playmaking performance that saw her set a new single-game NRLW record with five try assists, in addition to her laying on half of her side's 14 line breaks, to go with a late try of her own. 

Powerhouse centre Mele Hufanga also scored a double to take her season tally to six in as many games, while Julia Robinson had a busy day on the wing in hot conditions at Totally Workwear Stadium, carrying the ball for 226 metres. 

Both sides enjoyed scoring chances in the opening exchanges, with a try-saver from Jasmine Peters and Krystal Blackwell on Robinson the highlight of the early defensive efforts. 

After Tiana Raftstrand-Smith battled over for the opener, opposite number Romy Teitzel replied five minutes later to re-establish a deadlock on the scoreboard. 

Shenae Ciesiolka's strike then got Brisbane back in front before what initially appeared to be her second minutes later became a turning point, with the Bunker ruling she'd brushed the touchline on her way to dotting down and the Cowboys instead scoring on the very next set. 

A devastating run from Jakiya Whitfeld saw her break five tackles and recover from a last-ditch ankle tap to go over, with Kirra Dibb's ensuing conversion putting the visitors back in front. 

But tries to Tazmin Rapana and Hufanga in the final five minutes of the half saw the Broncos take a 18-12 lead into the sheds. 

An arm wrestle ensued in the second period and after surviving numerous sets backed up on their own line, it was a magical offload from Ciesiolka that put Stacey Waaka over for a try which finally gave them a two-score advantage. 

Destiny Brill flew through a gaping hole in the line minutes later and by the time Hufanga got on the end of Maddick's fifth assist of the day the result was beyond question.  

Maddick capped off one of the best individual performances seen in the competition's short history with a try of her own in the closing minutes. 

It sets Brisbane up with a mouthwatering clash with the in-form Knights in Round 7, although there'll be some doubt as to captain Ali Brigginshaw's involvement after she left the field in the second half with a facial injury.