Eels v Broncos preview

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Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos Friday 8:00pm at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

With both sides a little worse for wear, this Friday night clash will test the abilities of both the Eels and Broncos who are without major playmakers. 

Parramatta are fresh off their first bye of the season, which came after back-to-back losses to both the Sea Eagles and Dolphins. The side has had a rough start to the year, only winning three of eight games, which leaves them currently sitting in 12th place on the ladder. 

With the Eels without Clint Gutherson, due to undergoing a knee surgery, Blaize Talagi, who has played in several positions for Parramatta this year, takes his place. Sean Russell has promoted to centre, with Morgan Harper out of the side. Bryce Cartwright also making his return to the bench after suffering a rib injury. 

After winning back-to-back-to-back games against the Tigers, Raiders and Dolphins, the Broncos had an embarrassing week out last round, losing to the Roosters 18-40. The side was unable to have any cohesive attack nor defence, and the loss was compounded by major injuries to both winger Jesse Arthars, plus skipper and halfback Adam Reynolds. 

The Broncos make two forced changes along with one forced change. Corey Oates comes back into the side to replace Jesse Arthars who suffered a broken jaw last week. Josh Rogers comes in to replace Adam Reynolds to play his second NRL game, with Jock Madden still injured. Former Cowboys Jack Gosiewski also makes his club debut, with Fletcher Baker dropped. 

The history books lean towards both sides, with the Broncos having a promising history against the Eels, having won three of their past four matchups, however the Brisbane side have not been lucky at CommBank Stadium, only winning one of their four clashes at the Eels' home. 

Both sides will have to fight hard with their injury tolls, however the Broncos have only lost their last three games (from seven) without their star Adam Reynolds, whereas the Eels have lost their last nine games without fullback Clint Gutherson. 

Last meeting: Round 24 2023 - Broncos 54 Eels 10

Who to watch: Parramatta are missing integral spine players and will be important for the senior spine players that they do have to step into the void. Scoring one try and making six try assists, Dylan Brown is a main piece of the Eels puzzle in this coming match. 

With the Broncos without star playmaker and captain, it means that other players will have to stand up and take on the ‘next man up' mentality. Ezra Mam is a growing player in the halves and has come a long way from his debut in late 2022. So far in 2024 he has scored five tries within eight games, along with six try assists. It will be important for the young five eighth to have a game with good ball control and not overdo it with the electric plays. 

Favourite: Broncos are favoured to get back in the winning circle and add two points to their count. 

My tip:  Although both teams are slightly battered and bruised, the Broncos are in a slightly favoured position than the Eels and will be looking to redeem themselves after the embarrassment of last round at home (also the author does not want to experience a Broncos loss in person, please and thank you). Brisbane by 10.

1. Blaize Talagi 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Ethan Sanders 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J'maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 15. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Kelma Tuilagi 22. Brendan Hands 20. Daejarn Asi

1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Joshua Rogers 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Tristan Sailor

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Matt Noyen; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;

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