Anthony Minichiello scored two spectacular tries to lead the Roosters to a vital 17-10 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium to keep their faint hopes of making this year's NRL finals alive.

Minichiello stole the limelight from his captain Luke Ricketson - celebrating his 300th first grade game - in a virtuoso performance that also put a massive dent in the Broncos' chances of claiming the minor premiership.

Brisbane (34 points) have been joined at the top of the table by St George Illawarra, who enjoy a bye this weekend, and now appear likely to miss out on the lucrative $100,000 purse for finishing first.

Parramatta, who have the best for and against record in the competition, and the West Tigers could make it four teams at the top with wins over the weekend.

Minichiello, denied a four-pointer by the video referee prior to halftime, opened his account shortly after the break when he burst onto a perfect short ball from Adrian Morley.

Morley attracted two defenders and managed to pop a ball away to a flying Minichiello who scored next to the uprights and presented the Roosters with the lead for the first time in the game.

But it was Minichiello's second try that left the 35,592 fans on hand amazed when the NSW and Australian fullback bolted 78 metres to put the visitors in the box seat.

Minichiello backed up a bustling run by giant second rower Anthony Tupou in his own 20 metre zone before out-pacing opposite number Karmichael Hunt to touch down.

The game kicked-off with a bang in the opening stages with milestone man Ricketson cleaned up by Broncos hit man Tonie Carroll in a brutal tackle.

The tackle left Ricketson dazed but he recovered just in time to see Hunt cross for the game's opening try in only the fifth minute.

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