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Rugby league returns to Suncorp Stadium featuring two in-form sides. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage as the Brisbane Broncos host the Parramatta Eels from 8:30pm (AEDT).
2014’s most improved football team the Broncos are going to need to bring their best form to prevent the Eels from getting their first away win since Round 21, 2012. The loser that day? The very same Broncos at the very same ground.
Broncos:
Widely predicted to be also-rans this year, the Broncos have come out firing on all cylinders. They look sharp, firm and mostly well organised.
The new halves and fullback combination has been greatly helped by the form of Andrew McCullough. All the Broncos forwards are doing their jobs with a notable lift in form by Sam Thaiday and Matt Gillett.
Justin Hodges returns and could start from the bench. If he starts at centre, Maranta will make way for Copley to shift to the wing.
Eels:
Hardly less surprising than the Broncos consistent good form, the Eels are improving every week and have only displayed their customary ineptitude in one match, a 52-point massacre inflicted by the Roosters.
Chris Sandow’s reunion with first grade was a happy affair for the club and the little halfback, who looked to play a controlled individual game with Hayne and Norman helping out as well.
If Sandow can take full control of this team and they follow him, they have the attack to beat any team. Classy centres, destructive wingers and the dangerous Hayne can only benefit from the unpredictable Sandow – provided he can contain his exuberance.
Head-to-Head:
The days of the Bennett vs Smith rivalry are sadly gone although some extra will to win might be imparted to the Broncos by ex-Eels coach and current Broncos assistant coach Stephen Kearney. Corey Norman should also be desperate to have a good game against his old club.
The clubs have a fairly even win/loss history and aside from the odd blow-out (both ways), score margins are pretty tight. Brisbane have the historical advantage – 28 wins, 18 losses and 1 draw.
At this ground it’s 9-5 to the Broncos.
Prediction:
The Eels enjoy a large and dedicated fan base in Brisbane so if the Broncos crowd rolls up in numbers there could be a big-game atmosphere to lift the teams.
In that case, the big match players will rise to the occasion. It seems to me that Brisbane have a few more players in this category and it should be enough for a home win.
But Jarryd Hayne is one individual who can beat a team on his own.
The Broncos will have too much class for the resurgent Eels tonight. Broncos by 12.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8:30pm (AEDT).
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