NRL: Broncos back in winners' circle

Brisbane's Alex Glenn takes a hit-up during last night's game against the Sharks. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - Relieved coach Ivan Henjak admitted Brisbane's problems were far from solved despite a much-needed 30-10 NRL win over a depleted Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium last night.

"I'm just happy to get a result," Henjak admitted after the scrappy match.

With Cronulla fighting to avoid the wooden spoon and fielding a patched-up team there was little to gloat about but after seven losses from their past eight games the Broncos have at least stopped the rot and kept themselves in finals contention.

"We weren't great," said Henjak despite Brisbane's five tries and highest points tally since putting 32 on the Titans in round 10.

"We've got something to work on."

Brisbane led 12-4 at halftime but the decisive moment came when 115kg prop Dave Taylor powered onto a sweet short ball from skipper Darren Lockyer in the 46th minute.

Taylor, who has been signed up by South Sydney next season, had played more of a traditional prop's role in defence and hit-ups before shifting wide in attack.

"He likes parking himself out there opposite the little fellows," said Henjak.

"He carted it up the middle for us, he's quite damaging wherever he runs."

Lockyer, who served up the perfect pass to Taylor, said the recently turned 21 year-old had matured this season.

"Dave's a real handful and he's got speed and footwork too," said Lockyer.

Lockyer said the players had worked for each other defensively and would take a lot of confidence from the win into next weekend's clash with Penrith, also at Suncorp Stadium.

"We were never going to go from rock bottom (54-0 last week) to perfect tonight," Lockyer said.

"It wasn't pretty, but there were a lot of positives to take out of the game.

Henjak said the week had not been about pushing towards the top eight, more the players being able to walk off the field and look each other in the eye.

An ordinary night for the Sharks was capped by Jack Afamasaga and Grant Millington both being placed on report, adding to coach Ricky Stuart's woes as the club battles to avoid finishing last.

An upset Stuart blasted the players who had put the club in its current predicament because of their off-field behaviour which had led to their sackings.

"All those blokes that put the club into a position this year where they played up socially and the club had to sack them and do the right thing by the game ... I hope they're watching the game," Stuart said.

"I hope they're reading about the position and predicament these blokes are in because they left them stranded.

"It's selfish. These poor blokes are busting their guts for the club and their mates and it's a good lesson for all other players."

- AAP