Match Centre

Round 1: Broncos v Eels NRLW preview

The Eels will be looking to make major improvements in 2024, whilst the Broncos will be looking to go one step further again and make the Grand Final. 

After just falling short in the 2023 season and losing to the Knights in the finals by six points, the Broncos will be back with a vengeance, especially after starting their 2024 on a high, beating the West Tigers in a trial match, 28-16.  Ali Brigginshaw continues to captain the Broncos side, in what will be her seventh season with the club, being their inaugural halfback and captain, where she also captained the experienced club to three straight NRLW Grand Final wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Two players will be making their NRLW debuts, Bree Spreadborough on the wing and five-eighth Skyla Adams. Keilee Joseph is making her Broncos debut, after signing with the Brisbane side from the Sydney Roosters in the off-season. 

After making a Grand Final appearance in 2022, the Eels surely would like to forget the 2023 season, winning only one game and finishing in 10th place on the ladder. Much like their opponents, the Eels had an impressive trial match, defeating the Dragons 20-8. 

The Parramatta side is entering this 2024 season with a new sense of direction, with this match being the first the side is lead out by their new captain, Mahalia Murphy, for the first time, as well as being the first game coached by new Head Coach, Steve Georgallis. Rory Owen and Rosie Kelly are also making their NRLW debuts, both in the centres. 

Both sides see a shuffle around of players from the 2023 squad, mainly due to injuries, with both teams sporting new halves combinations. 

Last meeting: Round 4 2023 - Broncos 22 Eels 12

Who to watch: Playing in the 2024 Origin series for the Maroons and recently inking a three-year extension with the Broncos, Romy Teitzel, is a monster second rower for the Brisbane side. In the 2023 season Teitzel made 214 tackles, 2 line break assists and total of 1098 running metres. 

Joining the Eels in the inaugural season in 2021 and being named as Vice-Captain for the 2024 season, Abbi Church is the Parramatta sides' fullback bringing much experience and leadership to the team.  

MY TIP: First game tips are always hard, but I really can't look past the Broncos, they have a strong line-up and will be looking to build upon previous year's successes, where many of their players also were featured in the 2024 Origin series. Time for my girls to make their mark and get the first win of the season. Brisbane by 16.