Broncos coach Ivan Henjak says an improved defence has been the key to Brisbane's emergence as a contender for the NRL's top four.

Brisbane's charge to the finals has continued after the Broncos defeated a desperate Cowboys side 16-10 in Townsville on Friday night.

The Broncos could lock down fourth spot and an all-important home final if Melbourne, Manly and Newcastle all fall over this weekend.

After copping a hammering after their disastrous 56-0 loss to Canberra in round 21 the Broncos have turned their season around largely thanks to a new resolve in defence to record four straight victories.

"Our defence had to be really good tonight and they (the Cowboys) had a lot of opportunities and a lot of field position, Henjak said after Friday's game.

"To our guys' credit they just kept turning up.

"We are just happy to be winning and getting some confidence and self-belief back and I am just so pleased how hard they are working for each other at the moment."

Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer added: "If we weren't defending the way we were the last two weeks we probably wouldn't have won the games, as simple as that.

"Towards the end there a couple of things didn't really go our way and gave them a sniff. It was a good effort to hang on," he said.

"This was sort of like their (North Queensland's) grand final I suppose, their line speed, they were aggressive and there are some sore guys next door."

After their fourth consecutive win, the Broncos have a great chance of securing a home final while the Cowboys will be watching the September action from their television sets.

North Queensland coach Neil Henry says the Cowboys couldn't find the consistency needed to be finals contenders but feels they have improved from their woeful 2008 season when they finished second-last.

"By and large we have been pretty competitive and very good at home. We haven't had any blow outs this season," he said.

"There is no doubt the positives, the Jimmy (James) Tamou and Steve Rapira, there are a few guys getting a bit more experience.

"We haven't played with enough consistency this year to really push and stay in there.

"We had a bit of a run there for five or six weeks but other than that we haven't been able to do that to feature this year which is disappointing."

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