NRL: Broncos back to winning ways

Ben Hunt of the Broncos celebrates scoring a try with team mates during the round 23 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons. Photo / Getty Images.

Brisbane have bounced back to winning ways with a convincing 32-6 victory over St George Illawarra on Friday night.

The Broncos will hold on to the NRL top spot for at least another week after the six-tries-to-one win, which ends a two-game losing run.

The Dragons, with Benji Marshall unavailable due to a hamstring strain, threw up a surprise when coach Paul McGregor named forward Jack De Belin at halfback.

The gamble didn't pay dividends however with the Dragons dominating territory in the first half but coming off the field 16-0 behind at the break.

The Broncos, who only had 11 tackles inside the Dragons' 20 in the first half, made the most of every trip through tries to Jordan Kahu, Lachlan Maranta and Anthony Milford.

The Dragons came closest when Kahu dithered over a kick in-goal but winger Justin Hunt somehow overshot the ball as he attempted to pounce on it.

A double to Broncos halfback Ben Hunt in the second half sealed the points as coach Wayne Bennett claimed just a second win in 14 matches against his former club.

A late consolation try by Justin Hunt at least limited the damage to the Dragons' percentage as they battle to stay in the top eight.

St George Illawarra also lost captain Ben Creagh after he failed a concussion test at halftime and had to sit out the rest of the match.