Returning half Jarrod Mullen could do nothing to change the Knights’ fortune, who sit second-last on the table and have just one win from their last 10 games.

In a tumultuous opening 30 minutes, The Broncos shot out to a 20-nil lead while Newcastle was rocked by injuries to Beau Scott (shoulder) and Robbie Rochow (broken arm).

However, two quick tries for Newcastle halved the deficit going into half-time.

The margin was cut to just four points shortly after when an intercept by Akuila Uate led to the Knights’ third try in the 44th minute through Danny Levi.

Brisbane hit back straight away with a try to Matt Gillet in the 49th minute taking the score to 26-16, but were then dealt an injury blow when prop Josh McGuire ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on the hour mark.

Fortunately for Newcastle, McGuire’s injury left space in the defensive line for Korbin Sims to cross over for the Knights’ fourth try and bring the score back to 26-22, leaving the match in the balance going into the last 20 minutes.

The comeback was short-lived, as former Knight Darius Boyd scored two minutes later and Matt Gillet bagged his second try on 67 minutes.

Lachlan Maranta secured the win for Brisbane in the 74th minute leaving the crowd of 27,246 in raptures.

There were bright spots for Newcastle in the performances of their backline, who looked dangerous when given space.

New fullback Jake Mamo was lively and Akuila Uate found space at will, making 224 meteres during the game.

The solid defence that has lead Brisbane to the top of the NRL ladder was again on show, with the Broncos pulling off six try-saving tackles throughout the match.

Newcastle only had themselves to blame for the loss, with the Knights only managing to complete 60 per cent of their 30 sets during the game.

Newcastle will enjoy a week off in round 17 thanks to the split round before they travel down to Canberra to play the Raiders at GIO Stadium in round 18.