Unassuming centre Nick Emmett may have repaid the Broncos a day after signing for another NRL season.

The 25-year-old, who once had a scholarship with Parramatta only to be held out of first-grade by the likes of Jamie Lyon and Willie Tonga, was the unsung hero of Brisbane's 30-16 win over Cronulla.

The win gives the defending premiers breathing space until Test stars Justin Hodges and Karmichael Hunt return from injury.

His effort, with help from Greg Eastwood, to prevent Sharks centre Ben Pomeroy from grounding the ball after a searching Paul Gallen bust in the 58th minute, was the big play of the game.

The Sharks had closed the gap to 18-10 after replacement Isaac De Gois scored his second try.

Had Pomeroy been able to score, the margin could have been cut to just two points with a successful conversion.

Coach Wayne Bennett made special mention of Emmett's try-saver, describing it as the turning point of the game.

"We had our rocky moments but the big play was saving the try down the far end when Nick Emmett held him (Pomeroy) up over the line," he said.

"They played pretty ordinary to let them get through but they made up for it down the other end and it was a pretty big moment in the game."

Emmett, who hails from Port Douglas and plays Queensland Cup for Redcliffe, was humble about his big play and about his chances of holding down a regular first-grade position.

"I was certain he was held up, but once I saw the video I was a little bit worried," admitted Emmett, who unloads containers for a mate to supplement his football income.

The match was Emmett's fifth first-grade appearance but his reliability is something that would appeal to Bennett.

Test centre Justin Hodges is due back from injury in next week's 20-year anniversary clash with Manly but Emmett could retain his spot following an ankle injury to David Stagg that is likely to sideline him for two or three weeks.

"I'm just trying to put in a few solid performances so Wayne won't hesitate to give me a chance when the opportunity arises again," said Emmett.

"I'm not going to compete with someone like Hodgo (Hodges), I'm just happy to plug away and get my couple of games every year and play for Redcliffe.

"Don't get me wrong, I want to play as many games as I can but I'm setting my goals realistically and I know where I stand.

"You've just got to do your job, nobody expects you to score the winning try and as long as I'm doing my job, the pressure's off."

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