NEWS Maddick gives Broncos backline X-factor edge

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Brisbane fullback Hayley Maddick has been integral to the side's five-game winning streak in the NRLW and her skillset is the perfect fit for the red-hot backline she services with distinction.

The 32-year-old set an all-time competition record with five try assists in the 38-12 win over North Queensland in round six.

Blockbusting Broncos wingers Julia Robinson and Stacey Wakka, along with star centres Mele Hufanga and Shenae Ciesolka, are all reaping the rewards of her service.

Maddick is slight in stature but plays with heart, courage and immense skill.

Her ability to go deep into the line and throw a precision pass to support is as good as any in the game.

She often gets belted in the process but wears the hits as an occupational hazard. Her Broncos coach Scott Prince, a skilful playmaker in his day who had the same playbook, is on hand to encourage.

"I'm not too afraid of the contact. I haven't been injured yet ... touch wood," Maddick told AAP.

"Princey is always telling me, 'you are going to take a whack and you just have to cop your medicine and make sure you get your pass away'.

"You know you are going to get whacked regardless but you can't shy away from it otherwise it is not going to work for you, especially being a small person."

The third-placed Broncos play competition leaders Cronulla on Saturday at Robina. The Sharks will be hungry to make amends for their 40-0 loss to the Sydney Roosters last week.

The Broncos are on a high after a 32-24 win over back-to-back premiers Newcastle. Maddick's belief is through the roof after her heroics against the Cowboys.

"I get the try assists next to my name but I am really that last pass in a 13-piece plan. I have got really good wingers and centres outside me to finish off those tries.

"In terms of confidence that was definitely a big game for me in that area. Then I had a lot of confidence going into the Newcastle game because I knew that we could do it."

The Broncos won the first three NRLW premierships and Maddick said the side was building well towards a fourth.

"This is definitely the best side I have been involved with at the Broncos. I don't think there are any weaknesses across the park," she said.

In other round eight NRLW clashes, Wests Tigers host St George Illawarra on Thursday night.

Gold Coast, with their finals hopes on a knife edge, are at home in a grand final rematch with the Knights on Saturday.

On Sunday, the second-placed Sydney Roosters are at home to the Cowboys while Parramatta travel to Canberra.

Canberra Times
 
Everyone's behind our ladies to succeed and I'm sure we'll all turn up or tune in to support our girl's.
 
Just needs to improve under the high ball and she will be real good. With the ball in hand she has proven to be really handy.
 
She seems to be a pretty resilient character. She ***** up but she keeps coming back for more. She doesn't go into her shell.

After watching her for a few games last season, I thought she had no business being at this level but she's plugged away and shown real improvement this season.
 

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