Fullback Karmichael Hunt, endorsed during the week by outgoing coach Wayne Bennett as Brisbane's next captain, scored a crucial try to help put Newcastle's NRL season on the line on an emotional night at Suncorp Stadium.

Brisbane led 6-2 at halftime before winning convincingly 24-2 in what was Bennett's farewell game in front of a big crowd of 37,552 who weren't left disappointed.

It was big night for 21-year-old Hunt - playing his 100th NRL match - the youngest player in the game's history to reach the milestone.

Apart from his 43rd minute try, awarded by video referee Tim Mander, Hunt came up with a magical piece of play that led to prop Ben Hannant's try in the 61st minute, giving Brisbane a 10-2 lead.

Newcastle prop Steve Simpson was sin-binned for 10 minutes for a professional foul for holding Hunt down and Hannant crashed over from the penalty to stretch the margin to 16-2.

It was an emotional night also for veteran forward Tonie Carroll, making his official farewell appearance, even though Brisbane may yet host a home final.

After a tough first half arm wrestle Brisbane cracked the Knights open with Hunt stepping up his involvement.

The custodian featured in all four tries, including Boyd's second, courtesy of Hunt's Lockyer-like cut out pass.

Brisbane finish the season fifth and will play the Roosters who finished fourth after beating the Dragons tonight.

Newcastle meanwhile will have to rely on Parramatta beating the Warriors tomorrow to see if they are still alive.

It was just the kind of win Bennett would have wanted, Brisbane keeping Newcastle, who upset Melbourne last weekend, try-less for 80 minutes with a finals type defensive effort.

Carroll was given the chance to kick the first goal of his career after Joel Moon scored in the last minute but with his teammates jeering him, hooked it.

Brisbane centre Justin Hodges, who was left on the bench because of a virus, failed to see out the game after injuring his shoulder.

Bennett thanked the fans and the players he had coached after the game.

"Think of all the wonderful players in 21 years who made my job easier," said Bennett, true to his word and not showing any emotion.

"I've been proud to be part of their lives and the fans should be proud of them.

"I hope you enjoyed the Broncos tonight."