Round 25: Broncos v Eels preview
Which motivation is stronger: hope or redemption?
The Brisbane Broncos will be hoping to keep their season alive when they host a Parramatta Eels side eyeing redemption for their previous appearance at Suncorp Stadium.
Coming off a bye with a simple equation of needing to win all three remaining matches to stand a remote mathematical chance of playing finals football, the Brisbane Broncos will be holding onto hope of making a late surge towards September.
Coach Kevin Walters has made minimal changes from the side the triumphed in Townsville a fortnight ago with Tristan Sailor replacing Reece Walsh at fullback and Selwyn Cobbo returning in a reshuffle that sees Josiah Karapani drop to the bench.
Eyeing off consecutive wins for the first time since Magic Round, the Broncos have won two of their past nine matches to hold the second-worst winning percentage, ahead of only the Eels, since the start of the Origin period.
The Broncos have enjoyed a strong record over the Eels in recent years with four wins from five meetings, including a decisive victory during the club's strongest period this season.
Returning to Suncorp Stadium for the first time since a disastrous showing in Magic Round, the Parramatta Eels will be out to atone for the final straw that resulted in Brad Arthur 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 ‘Spoon Bowl' by securing only their second win away from home this season.
Last meeting: Round 10 2024 - Eels 14 Broncos 30
Who to watch: Following in the footsteps of club greats by starting in the formidable number 10 jersey, Xavier Willison will be determined to showcase his development as the Broncos fight for their season. Enjoying a breakout campaign with the vast majority of his 17 appearances coming off the bench, the 22-year-old Māori representative has averaged over 100 running metres to go with three tries and 36 tackle breaks. Set to become available to negotiate with rival clubs on 1 November, look for Willison to make the most of a rare start as he looks to cement his status as a first-grade calibre forward.
In a challenging year that has seen Parramatta's cult hero spend more time on the sidelines than on the field, Maika Sivo will be hoping to finish strongly and achieve a personal piece of glory. Returning from a hamstring injury to play only his ninth game for the season in last week's loss to the Roosters, the 30-year-old winger has remained a formidable attacking threat with 11 four-pointers and 40 tackle-breaks. Needing two tries to become just the fourth man to score a century of tries for the blue and golds, Sivo will be hoping his strike rate against the Broncos - 13 tries in 11 matches - paves the way for a rare moment of joy in 2024.
FAVOURITE: The Broncos are expected to break a run of five consecutive home losses with their first win at Suncorp since May.
MY TIP: The Broncos must win to remain a hope of playing finals football. A win will see the Eels go a long way towards avoiding the wooden spoon. In a contest of desperation and motivation, the Broncos should have too much to play for to let this one slip.
