Second-half fightback lifts Broncos past Newcastle

The Brisbane Broncos have taken a major step towards an NRLW finals berth with a stunning come-from-behind victory over the Newcastle Knights. 

The Broncos trailed 18-4 after 36 minutes before they ran in five second-half tries to finish over the top of their opponents and secure a 32-24 win at McDonald Jones Stadium. 

The result solidifies Brisbane's place inside the top four with two rounds remaining. Newcastle remain in fourth place but are level on points with Parramatta and North Queensland. 

The Knights opened the scoring when Rima Butler crashed over from short range however the 6-0 lead did not last long after an error in the following set put the Broncos on the attack.

The visitors made no mistake, rugby sevens convert Stacey Waaka diving over in the corner. 

The match entered an arm wrestle for the next 15 minutes before Newcastle fullback Tamika Upton broke the game open when she took hold of an offload and raced 45 metres to put her team up 12-4.

The hosts reinforced their advantage when Shanice Parker crossed just a minute after halftime and suddenly Brisbane had a mountain to climb. 

Scott Prince's side took a major step forward when Julia Robinson found the tryline in the 46th minute and they were right back in the contest when Brianna Clark cut the deficit to two. 

An error off the kick off, however, put Newcastle straight back on the attack and Evie Jones went straight through under the posts to make it 24-16. 

A Hayley Maddick break set the platform for Waaka to score her second and Brisbane were in front moments later when Lavinia Gould burrowed over to put her team up 26-24 with seven minutes to play.

It was the Broncos' first lead of the match and they quickly extended the margin when Romy Teitzel crossed to push their advantage beyond a converted try and put the result beyond doubt.