Broncos fightback keeps them in the hunt

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Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels

The Brisbane Broncos found themselves down 16-0 after just 11 minutes, but steadily clawed their way back into the contest before holding on for a 6 point victory over the second-last Eels.

Parramatta got off to a stunning start, clearly keen to get a victory and avoid the risk of finishing last, on their very first set of the game, went the length of the field and forced a Broncos error near their own line.

In the second minute of the match, the Eels shifted the ball right with some quick passing which ended up putting Viliami Penisini into space and he barged over between two defenders to score. Clint Gutherson converted.

In the eighth minute, Gutherson dropped a deft grubber into the Broncos in-goal where Joe Ofahengaue won the race to plant the ball for a try. Gutherson converted from the easy angle.

The Eels crossed again in the eleventh minute when Maika Sivo walked in for a soft try in the corner. Gutherson failed to convert. After 11 minutes the Eels had amassed a 16-0 lead.

The Broncos steadily worked their way back into the game. In the 27th minute Tristan Sailor grubbered for himself, regathered and very nearly scored, however Sivo denied him.

Two minutes later the Broncos almost scored again off a grubber, this time Sivo denied Kotoni Staggs from scoring.

It was a case of third time lucky for the Broncos. In the 31st minute, Sailor fended off the defender who rushed up, burst through the gap created and then burnt Gutherson with sheer pace to score a brilliant solo try. Adam Reynolds converted.

5 minutes later, the Broncos crossed again when Josh Rogers on the left side, dummied and then strolled through a huge gap before diving over to score. Reynolds converted.

Just before halftime, the Broncos very nearly scored again but Mariner was held up across the tryline. The Eels went into the sheds on the back foot, but still leading 16-12.

5 minutes after play resumed, Gutherson landed a penalty goal.

In the 54th minute Sailor fired a lovely long ball to the unmarked Cobbo who dived over to score in the right corner. Reynolds converted to level the scores.

In the 64th minute, Reynolds came up with an effort play in defence, rushing up out of the line to shut down some second phase play by the Eels. He forced the balled to be fumubled, which he then intercepted before racing 30 metres to score under the posts. He then converted his own try.

Just two minutes later, Reynolds put in a gentle grubber for the unmarked Staggs, who regathered cleanly and dived over to score. Reynolds converted again.

With 8 minutes remaining in the game, Daejarn Asi ran to the Broncos defensive line and then grubbered for Shaun Lane, who regathered and then barged over to score for the Eels. Gutherson converted.

Parramatta played very expansive football but struggled to maintain possession or build pressure, allowing the Broncos to hold on and win 30-24.