NRL: Broncos climb to top of table

Darren Lockyer. Photo /Getty Images

Brisbane continued their outstanding form when they comprehensively beat the Sydney City Roosters in the wet in Gosford last night.

The Broncos achieved a fifth consecutive win as they outscored the Roosters four tries to none in a rock-solid team effort.

Justin Hodges was always dangerous with his strength and ability to offload, while Darren Lockyer taunted the Roosters with his kicking game, particularly in the second spell. The Roosters simply made too many mistakes, while the Broncos were almost error-free.

The Roosters, grand finalists last year, had won two and lost three, while the Broncos had won four in a row to sit alongside the Dragons and Melbourne at the top of the table. Last night's victory put them out alone in top spot.

It had been billed as a battle between the attacking potential of the Roosters and the defensive might of Brisbane, who had beaten Newcastle 17-6 in the rain on Monday night.

There was rain again last night - driving rain and a strong wind - with the Broncos having first use of the elements.

Corey Parker kicked a penalty from 35 metres for the Broncos after two minutes but otherwise neither side had any advantage in the first quarter.

The Roosters had the best try-scoring chance, Anthony Minichiello losing the ball in contact just out from the line. And there was another opportunity when Shaun Kenny-Dowall almost dived on the loose ball from a kick through.

The Broncos finally struck after 32 minutes, wing Jharal Yow Yeh scoring his fourth try of the season after a clever off-load by Hodges. Parker's conversion made it 8-0.

They scored again two minutes before the break when they attacked down the left flank and Dale Copley took the last pass from Jack Reed, propped inside two defenders and scored in the corner.

The Broncos deserved their 12-0 halftime lead, with their football better tailored to the conditions.

They had 55 per cent possession, a better completion rate, with 15 from 19, and missed six fewer tackles.

Brisbane continued their momentum into the second spell, Copley scoring his second try after 12 minutes when he dived on a clever left-footed stab kick by Lockyer. Parker's wide-angled conversion made it 18-0.

Yow Yeh almost scored his second but was denied by the television match official, who ruled he had put a foot in touch, as the Roosters struggled to impose themselves on the game.

They were guilty of throwing ambitious passes and handling errors in conditions which called for conservative tactics.

The Broncos scored their fourth try midway through the half, again off a well-placed kick by Lockyer.

Justin Carney could not control the ball and Ben Hannant dived on it for his first try since 2009. Parker converted and the Broncos were safe at 24-0.

The Roosters finally held on to the ball 12 minutes from the end and Joseph Leilua scored in the corner, the first try conceded by the Broncos in the second half this year.

Roosters: 6 (J. Leilua try, B. Anasta goal).

Broncos: 24 (J. Yharal Yow Yeh, D. Copley, 2, B. Hannant tries, C. Parker 4 goals).

Halftime: Broncos, 12-0.