He came out of the blue to grab a wing spot on the end of Brisbane's talent-rich back line and after six straight appearances Kaine Manihera wants a crack at the NRL finals.

The 21-year-old Kiwi is doing all the right things to convince Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to leave him on the wing after another strong performance in Brisbane's 18-12 win over Cronulla on Friday night.

With the Sharks storming home, Manihera's nerve and character was tested by a Brett Kimmorley bomb which hung in the air long enough for him to hear the chasers closing fast.

He leapt and took the ball only to be hit heavily in mid-air by Sharks centre David Simmons who was penalised.

It was enough for Brisbane to play out the final minute and claim two vital premiership points.

"I'm lucky and fortunate so far I haven't had too many of them (bombs)," said the 95kg Manihera, pulled in from Redcliffe during the Origin series to make his NRL debut.

"I'm a bit surprised, I thought everyone would be targeting me a bit more since I am so new but I've had it a bit easy.

"If I play in the finals it will be harder, everyone will be upping the ante but I hope I'll be ready if I get the chance.

"It's been unreal playing with some of these stars.

"I'm taking every day as it comes and hopefully I can stay there for the rest of the year.

"Every now and then I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm still part of the team but I can't get ahead of myself."

Bennett has continued to monitor Manihera's progress and so far seems happy with his development.

While he is not blessed with great speed, he has a knack of breaking tackles and so far has been safe under the high ball.

Brisbane sustained a few minor injuries during the physical win with captain Darren Lockyer (head clash) and David Stagg both suffering concussion.

Stagg was cleaned up in a heavy second half front-on tackle by Sharks enforcer Paul Gallen who was reported by referee Shayne Hayne.

Battered halfback Peter Wallace was feeling back pain on Saturday but none of the trio is considered in doubt for Brisbane's next assignment against Canberra.

Man-of-the-match Greg Eastwood revealed after the win he was being driven by his desire to play for New Zealand in the World Cup.

Eastwood rated his performance, which included the game winning try as the best in his 18 outings this season.

He said a rev-up from Bennett had forced him to step outside his comfort zone.

"Wayne told me to go out and get stuck in from the start and now I have to be consistent and it starts from tonight (Saturday)," he said.

Meanwhile exciting back-rower Lagi Setu, who is currently playing with the Dragons after making his NRL debut last year, has agreed to terms to come home and play for Brisbane in 2009.

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