Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels
Eels shock the Broncos with upset win at Suncorp Stadium
3 hours ago | Sam Bourke
Broncos v Eels preview
Competing motivations come together in Suncorp showdown
The Brisbane Broncos will be striving to move one step closer to a finals return when they host a Parramatta Eels side determined to avoid the prospect of claiming the dreaded wooden spoon.
Returning home off the back of their final bye of the season last week, the Brisbane Broncos have soared back into contention - rising from eleventh to fifth - with five consecutive victories.
Welcoming back a host of top-tier players, headlined by Payne Haas in the front-row, coach Michael Maguire will also have the services of Corey Jensen and Jesse Arthars at his disposal for Friday night's clash.
With seven matches remaining in their home-and-away campaign - including four fixtures scheduled at Suncorp Stadium - the Broncos have a favourable run home with all their opponents, except the Storm (twice), currently ranked outside the top eight.
The Broncos have won five of their past six matches against the Eels, averaging 35 points with the ball in each of the victories.
Showing glimpses of promise against heavyweight sides only to fade away in recent weeks, the Parramatta Eels will be hoping to stage an upset with major ramifications for both ends of the premiership ladder.
Holding a slender halftime lead only to go down 40-16 to the Raiders last Saturday in Canberra, coach Jason Ryles has received mixed news on the selection front with captain Mitchell Moses making a welcome return at the same time that star rookie Isaiah Iongi is set for a stint on the sidelines; Joash Papalii will shift to fullback, Will Penisini will return from suspension in place of Bailey Simonsson and Luca Moretti joins the bench.
Boasting a solid overall record at Suncorp Stadium with ten wins from 20 meetings against the Broncos, the Eels last win at the venue occurred in the penultimate round of 2022 with a half century score.
The Eels face a precarious run home with all their remaining matches against higher-ranked teams, while their standing on the ladder is only one win - and eight differential points - clear of the last-placed Titans.
Last meeting: Round 25 2024 - Broncos 30 Eels 24
Who to watch: In the weeks since making his return to the NRL, Ezra Mam has brought about a monumental shift in the Broncos' fortunes. Playing a pivotal role in reversing a worrying slump into a season-defining surge, the 22-year-old has been dynamic with ten try-assists in seven appearances upon return from suspension. Providing a much-needed spark to the side's attack, while allowing the likes of Reece Walsh to play with greater freedom, Mam's on-field influence has been undeniable in recent weeks.
The signing of Jack Williams may not have garnered much attention over the off-season, however the former Cronulla forward has had an impact far greater than any headlines can measure. Providing great service for the blue and golds after honing his craft as a hard-working interchange forward, the 28-year-old has made the most of his opportunities to start in the middle and on an edge as needed. Averaging over 120 running metres and 35 tackles each week, Williams will play a central role if the Eels are to claim their first win in Queensland since 2023.
Favourite: The Broncos are expected to record six straight wins for the first time since their run towards the grand final two years ago.
My tip: While the Eels have shown they have the potential to be a thorn in the side of the best of opponents, the confidence of the Broncos should shine through in front of a strong home crowd. Broncos by 16.
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Corey Jensen 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Tyson Smoothy
1. Joash Papali'i 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J'maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 19. Jordan Samrani
Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;