Round 8: Eels v Broncos preview
Are the Eels really back as genuine premiership contenders? Or did two-straight games against lesser opposition paper over what are still concerning signs for Brad Arthur at Parramatta?
The answer may just come on Friday night as the Eels prepare to test their title credentials against the surprise ladder leaders Brisbane.
The Broncos themselves, despite enjoying a 6-1 start to the season, have hardly looked convincing at times and often relied on the sheer brilliance of Reece Walsh or a late flurry of points to get home.
That was on full display last week against the Gold Coast as Brisbane overcame a 14-6 halftime deficit to race away 43-26, with a Tino Fa'asuamaleaui sin bin proving crucial in that final result.
It was the kind of win the Broncos needed after a disappointing loss to Canberra the week prior but still did little to suggest Kevin Walters' side is truly capable of an 80-minute performance.
Of course, that is if you are looking for ways to poke holes in Brisbane's status as a legitimate title change this year. Parramatta's early season form is proof everyone is far from perfect at this point.
The Eels built on a nervy win over the Tigers last week when they dismantled the undermanned Bulldogs 30-4.
At least they did it comprehensively but it is still too early to declare Parramatta is back as a premiership force.
The Eels were always going to be finals hopefuls irrespective of their opening round results, such was the tight nature of all their losses.
But if they wanted to back up the kind of statement they made in a golden-point win over Penrith, it has to come this Friday in Darwin - the very same place Parramatta crumbled last year.
The Eels melted in the top end in Round 8, on the wrong end of a 35-4 demolition job at the hands of North Queensland. They will be hoping for a very different result this time around.
The Eels won the last meeting between these two teams in Darwin (46-6) and have emerged victorious in six of their past seven games against the Broncos.
There are minimal changes for Parramatta as Josh Hodgson returns, having missed last week's game due to illness. It sees Brendan Hands drop to the bench in place of Makahesi Makatoa.
Bailey Simonsson, meanwhile, is available for selection after serving his suspension but has still been left out of the 17 with Parramatta seemingly keen to see how Sean Russell and Haze Dunster fare.
Brisbane welcomes back Tom Flegler (concussion) and Corey Oates (jaw) with Keenan Palasia and Jesse Arthars the unlikely duo to miss out.
Last meeting: Round 24 2022 - Broncos 6 Eels 53
Who to watch: In a surprise to no one, humid conditions are expected in Darwin on Friday night with the temperature expected to be hovering around 28 degrees by kick-off. Rain is also predicted though, which will make Mitchell Moses' kicking game only more important. In the testing conditions, both forward packs will tire early and the smart play may be to kick long and early to tire out of the opposition. Moses proved himself capable of doing just that earlier this year when he kicked for over 1,000 metres in Parramatta's thrilling win over Penrith. Look for him to do similar on Friday.
The same obviously goes for Adam Reynolds and Brisbane but for something different, let's look at something different for the Broncos. As much as the kicking game could decide Friday's game, it could also come down to which forward pack is the fitter of the two. And from what we've seen so far this season, barnstorming Broncos prop Payne Haas can burst through for a game-breaking run regardless of how many minutes he has played. Of course, the conditions will mean it will be particularly important that Brisbane manages his minutes and the entire forward rotation well. But Kevin Walters needs to be especially diligent with when he brings Haas on as the Blues front rower has the tackle-busting ability to blow a close contest wide-open.
The favourite: The Broncos are slight favourites for Friday's game.
My tip: This is a huge opportunity for Parramatta to make a real statement after a slow start to the year. The biggest concern has to be the inexperienced edge combination of Russell and Dunster, who will be targeted defensively. If Brisbane's lethal outside backs get early ball, they could rack up a score. It's a tough one to predict but this game should mean more for the Eels and if they can't lift for this one, serious questions need to be asked of their premiership credentials. Eels by 7.
