Match Centre

Round 24: Broncos v Eels preview

Top eight spots up for grabs

The Brisbane Broncos will be keen to bounce back after their 48 point shellacking at the hands of the Melbourne Storm when take on the Parramatta Eels to kick-off the penultimate round of the NRL season. 

Brisbane have been one of the year's big improvers, sitting in the top eight after a strong middle of the season, despite their biggest impact on the rep scene in some time. Despite this, the post Origin Broncos have been a side marred by inconsistency, with wins over Parramatta and Newcastle combined with heavy losses to the Roosters and last week's embarrassment at the hands of Melbourne. It was a bizarre showing from the Broncos, but one that was brewing for weeks. 

Unfortunately, it's come at a bad time as far as the finals are concerned and you feel that this is a must win game for the Broncos with Canberra knocking at the door. Payne Haas needs to regain some dented pride after being nullified by the Melbourne forwards, but Kevin Walters needs to issue a personal challenge to his other forwards. Haas can only do so much on his own, so the likes of Corey Jensen, Jordan Riki and Kobe Hetherington need to help their forward leader. Their attack wasn't too bad in all honesty, creating a lovely try to Oates in the corner, but their defence saw a return of the previous two years. Watch for a renewed Broncos performance to try and seal a spot in the eight. Despite the heavy loss, Kevin Walters hasn't made the mass changes some were expecting. Brenko Lee returns replacing Delouise Hoeter at centre. Kurt Capewell is in doubt with an ankle injury but has been named. Jake Turpin and Ryan James retain their starting positions after the horror show. 

 Parramatta have been the model of inconsistency in this 2022 season. One week they look like world beaters, the next week they're in a dog of a battle against a bottom eight opposition. With two weeks to go and two tough matches, it's hard to think which Parramatta will rear their heads on Thursday night. For Eels supporters, their hoping it's their dominant one.

Last weekend saw Parramatta bounce back after their poor showing against Souths thumping the hapless Bulldogs on their home turf. It was a confident showing to boost their for and against, but every team that won last up with the exception of Penrith and Canberra had a major boost to their for and against. Mitch Moses made a welcome return to the Eels line-up and played his hand perfectly, troubling the Dogs on the final tackle on most set enders. But, as we say every week, if Parra can keep Haas contained and dominate the forward exchanges, then it'll be an Eels victory. But expect a big bounce back factor from the Broncos. On the team front, Brad Arthur has stuck with the same starting side that trounced the Bulldogs but has once again finetuned his bench with Makatoa and Arthur preferred ahead of Ogden and Cartwright.

Last meeting: Round 19 2022 - Eels 14 Broncos 36

Who to watch: These are the sort of situations that Adam Reynolds was brought for. Season on the line, the big money buy from the Rabbitohs has iced these situations so many times in the past. His experience has brought a big about-face in the way that the Broncos attack this season. In his 250th first grade game in this one, look for the Broncos captain to lead his side off the canvas and potentially secure their spot in the finals series. 

A man that has stood out in a big way this season has been Dylan Brown. The New Zealand international has been a stand out this season scoring ten tries and setting up a further 15 to put his name on the list of players to represent his country in the World Cup. Back at club land, his form is like the rest of the team's, if they're on, he's on. Brown's attacking game for a 5/8 is amongst the best in the competition and it's up to him to produce his best if the Eels want to win this one. 

The favourite: Parramatta enters this contest as the favourite. But, Parramatta have only won 48% of their games played at Suncorp Stadium.

My tip: Brisbane have a point to prove after last week's disaster against Melbourne, while Parramatta want to continue to push for a home final and possibly a top 4 spot if results go their way. Expect plenty of fireworks early as both sides have it all to play for as we enter the business end of the season. Parramatta by 2.