Broncos v Eels preview

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels
Suncorp Stadium - Saturday 8:00pm

After winning five games in a row, the Broncos were narrowly defeated by the Dragons last Friday night. The Broncos were far from disgraced, losing by only 2 points, despite a heavy injury toll during the game.

Justin Hodges reinjured his hamstring in the first half of the game, and did not return for the second half. He has not been named this week. Alex Glenn will also miss this game, after fracturing his eye socket against the Dragons. Sam Thaiday will move to the back row, with Adam Blair moving up front. Jarrod Wallace and Francis Molo have been added to the interchange bench. Lachlan Maranta also returns at fullback.

The Eels travelled to Newcastle last weekend, and came away with the victory against an error-riddled Knights side. Darcy Lussick will return after a one match suspension, and will start at prop. As per the Eels' late change last weekend, Reece Robinson will start at fullback, with Will Hopoate to play in the centres.

Last meeting: Round 5 2014 - Brisbane Broncos 18 Parramatta Eels 25

Who to watch: This week we'll be keeping an eye on the battle of the hookers. Nathan Peats was great against the Knights last weekend, scoring a double and setting up a try for John Folau. His combination with his halves was key in the Eels win, as they steered their team around the park.

For the Broncos, Andrew McCullough was also strong last weekend, making almost 50 tackles and setting up a try. His defence will be important in shutting down the Broncos around the ruck.

The favourite: The Broncos are big favourites this weekend, with the Eels $3 outsiders.

My tip: The Broncos will be much too strong for the Eels, despite the Parramatta side's victory over the Knights last weekend. Broncos by 6.

1. Lachlan Maranta 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. Dale Copley 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Matt Gillett 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Francis Molo 16. Mitchell Dodds 17. Kodi Nikorima

1. Reece Robinson 2. Bureta Faraimo 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. John Folau 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. David Gower 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. Isaac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Danny Wicks 17. Peni Terepo 18. Richie Fa'aoso

Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Ben Galea;

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