Brisbane produced a stunning defensive display to hold out Melbourne for a 14-12 win and remain on top of the NRL competition ladder.

The Broncos were forced into a mammoth 12 goal-line drop-outs and 385 tackles at AAMI Park but barely cracked in a gripping match.

Both teams were missing key players through injury and some were rested following Wednesday’s State of Origin.

Melbourne were without injured duo Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk while Maroons Corey Parker and Justin Hodges sat out.

Without Slater and Cronk the Storm looked bereft of answers as they tried to penetrate the visitors’ defence.

Brisbane absorbed a mountain of pressure in the first half, which was dominated by the home side.

Melbourne had 59 per cent of possession, completed 18 from 19 sets, and only 112 tackles to their opponents’ 187.

Despite those statistics, the Broncos only trailed 12-8 at halftime.

They scored one of the best tries of the season when they shifted the ball across the field and back through a number of freakish passes before finding centre Jack Reed to score.

Melbourne’s two first half tries were scored by halfback Blake Green.

The Broncos hit the front in the 52nd minute after a try by Corey Oates, that was set up by a perfect kick through by five-eighth Anthony Milford.

That was converted from the sideline by Jordan Kahu, who had missed two previously, for a 14-12 lead.

The Storm threw everything at Brisbane and looked like they would get across in the final minute through Felice Kaufusi, but for a stunning ball and all tackle by Matt Parcell.