8:00 pm FRIDAY AUGUST 23rd 2024 Suncorp Stadium, BRISBANE
Broncos Fight to Keep Finals Hopes Alive Against Eels
The Brisbane Broncos are fighting to keep their season alive as they host a Parramatta Eels side eager for redemption after their last outing at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos Face Challenging Task After Bye
Fresh off a bye, the Broncos face a clear but challenging task: winning all three remaining matches to maintain a slim mathematical chance of reaching the finals. They’re clinging to hope for a late push toward September.
Minimal Changes for Broncos as They Aim for Consecutive Wins
Coach Kevin Walters has made minimal changes to the team that triumphed in Townsville two weeks ago, with Tristan Sailor stepping in for Reece Walsh at fullback and Selwyn Cobbo returning in a reshuffle that moves Josiah Karapani to the bench.
Aiming for consecutive wins for the first time since Magic Round, the Broncos have managed just two victories in their last nine matches, holding the second-worst winning percentage since the start of the Origin period—only slightly ahead of the Eels.
Broncos’ Strong Record Against Eels
The Broncos have maintained a strong record against the Eels in recent years, winning four of their last five encounters, including a commanding victory during the club’s peak performance this season.
Broncos
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison , 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan , 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau, 18. Benjamin Te Kura 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Jaiyden Hunt , 21. Cory Paix 22. Corey Oates
Eels Seek Redemption After Disappointing Magic Round Performance
Returning to Suncorp Stadium for the first time since a disappointing performance in Magic Round, the Parramatta Eels will be eager to make amends for their poor showing, which ultimately led to Brad Arthur’s dismissal as coach.
Producing a miserable effort in rain-soaked conditions during last Friday’s 38-14 defeat to the Roosters, interim coach Trent Barrett has recalled Luca Moretti and Makahesi Makatoa in a revamped forward pack with Wiremu Greig out suspended and Maika Sivo returning on the wing.
The Eels have lost three of their past four appearances at Suncorp Stadium against all opposition, however they do hold an above average record of 10 wins from 19 matches against the Broncos at the hallowed venue.
Sitting level with the Wests Tigers on five wins – and a superior for-and-against differential – the Eels will be hoping to avoid the prospect of a final round loss to the Tigers by securing only their second win away from home this season.
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell , 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Shaun Lane, 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue, 14. Joey Lussick 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir , 18. Jake Tago 19. Matt Doorey 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Morgan Harper 22. Ofahiki Ogden
Referee. Todd Smith ,Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Dan Schwass ,Bunker, Chris Butler
Key Stats and Predictions
The Broncos have won four of their last five games against the Eels.
Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored 11 tries in his past 12 games.
Broncos winger Deine Mariner has scored four tries in two games against the Eels.
The Eels have lost nine of their 10 away games this season.
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored five tries in his last five games.
Prediction.
The Broncos enjoyed a bye last weekend, while the Eels struggled in the wet against the Roosters. Although the Broncos still have a mathematical chance of making the finals, the Eels are focused on avoiding the wooden spoon and proving to incoming coach Jason Ryles that they deserve to remain at the club. With the game at home, the Broncos should keep their slim Top 8 hopes alive for another week.
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