Brisbane have entered the NRLW top four for the first time this year with a thrilling 32-28 win over Cronulla at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
Captain Ali Brigginshaw backed up at halfback after badly breaking her nose last week in the win over Canberra, but it was her halves partner Gayle Broughton who was the star with a try double and a slick game in general play.
The Broncos moved temporarily into third position on eight competition points with the win. The Sharks are four points outside the top four on four points and all but out of the finals race.
Brigginshaw set up flying fullback Hayley Maddick for the opening try before Sharks prop Ellie Johnston crashed over from close range and fullback Jada Taylor sliced through to extend the lead to 10-4.
Star Cronulla No.6 Emma Tonegato went for a HIA after she had blood streaming from her nose from an accidental head clash with teammate Tiana Penitani.
Brisbane scored three tries in the space of eight minutes either side of halftime through prop Annetta Nu'uausala, Broughton and winger Julia Robinson.
When the Broncos took a 32-16 lead through Destiny Brill and another Broughton try it appeared the match was sealed. Two tries in as many minutes to Sharks winger Georgia Ravics and Tonegato, with a sensational long-range effort, set up a nailbiting finish but Brisbane hung on.
Earlier, Newcastle halfback Jesse Southwell inspired a 20-12 come-from-behind win over Canberra to all but confirm the Knights will play NRLW finals for a second consecutive year.
Compounding the Raiders' home loss, inspirational co-captain Simaima Taufa appeared to injure her right shoulder attempting a tackle in the second half at GIO Stadium.
She managed to play through the pain despite reeling out of the contact in significant pain, clutching the same shoulder she hurt during the grand final of the NSWRL Women's Premiership in May.
Canberra cannot afford to lose middle forward Taufa as they fight to overcome an inferior points differential and lock up a finals berth in their inaugural season.
Sitting atop the ladder temporarily, Newcastle would need to be handily beaten in their remaining two games and have a host of other results go against them to fall out of the top four from here.
The reigning premiers trailed 10-0 at halftime after Raiders winger Madison Bartlett bagged a pair of tries.
Newcastle fullback Tamika Upton and Southwell then took control.
Southwell looped a cut-out pass to Sheridan Gallagher on the right wing and then levelled the scores with a pinpoint sideline conversion.
She then stepped and dummied her way over for a try of her own.
Newcastle's win sets up a compelling heavyweight clash with the Sydney Roosters next week.