Roar Guru
The Brisbane Broncos suffered their first loss since Round 1 last weekend, and they’ll be looking for vengeance when they take on the Parramatta Eels on Anzac night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8pm (AEST).
The Broncos’ five-game win streak was shattered last Friday night in a 2-point loss to the Dragons.
Despite the loss, the Broncos are still in the top four, and a win over the Eels will further cement their status as premiership contenders.
The Eels got another win on the board last weekend, their first since Round 4. The win still leaves them outside the top eight, and the Eels are in danger of losing touch.
In team news, the Broncos have been forced to make changes with Alex Glenn and Justin Hodges both succumbing to injuries suffered in Round 7.
In place of Hodges, Lachlan Maranta returns to the side in the fullback position, while Sam Thaiday will move from the front row to second row to cover for Alex Glenn, and Adam Blair will start in the number 10 jersey.
Jarrod Wallace returns from suspension to take Adam Blair’s spot on the bench, while Francis Molo replaces Mitch Garbutt.
The Eels have made one change, with Darcy Lussick returning from injury to retake his spot in the side. Richie Fa’aoso looks likely to be the man to drop out, although he has been named on an extended bench. Reece Robinson will once again play fullback, meaning Will Hopoate will play in the centres, and John Folau will shift to the wing.
This match-up has been relatively close in recent times, with the two sides splitting their previous eight matches. Last time they met, at Suncorp Stadium in Round 5 last year, the Eels recorded a seven-point win.
Prediction
The Broncos are in good form to start the season, and I don’t see the Eels being able to stick with them, particularly in Brisbane. Give me the Broncos to both win, and clear the line of -7.5 set for them.
Broncos by 12.