Brisbane have shored up their spot in the NRL’s top four with a superb 30-20 victory over Canberra, putting the Raiders’ season on a knife-edge.

The Raiders’ third straight-loss leaves them languishing outside the top eight while the Broncos improved their record to 10-5.

“We’re just not getting over the line at the moment,” Canberra skipper Jarrod Croker said.

Benji Marshall wound back the clock with a brilliant display, outfoxing the Raiders’ defence to have a hand in three of the Broncos’ five tries.

And Ben Hunt came off the bench and put in a strong performance partnering with Marshall.

Queensland Origin star Matt Gillett had no trouble backing up from a brutal game two, scoring two tries and putting the game beyond doubt in the final minute.

After a see-sawing first half, Canberra went to the break leading 16-14.

Broncos winger Corey Oates did his chances of returning to the Queensland team for the State of Origin decider no harm by scoring the opening try of the match after four minutes.

Jack Wighton hit back for the Raiders, with some fancy footwork allowing him to cross before skipper Jarrod Croker made it a one-two punch, scoring the third try of the opening 10 minutes.

Marshall set up Alex Glenn who put the Broncos back in front before the Raiders’ teenage winger Nick Cotric responded with a spectacular try.

The 18-year-old pounced on a loose ball inside Canberra’s 20 metre zone and galloped to the line while fending off David Mead in the process.

Gillett’s first try took the lead back for the Broncos 10 minutes after the break before Joe Ofahengaue extended the lead before the hour mark.

Joey Leilua hit back for the home side but the Raiders just couldn’t find another way through Brisbane’s defence.