The Parramatta Eels host the Brisbane Broncos tonight at Parramatta Stadium, with both teams to start their season with new look halves pairings while hoping to start their season with a win. Join us from live scores and blog of the first round NRL clash: Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos from 7:30pm ADST tonight.
The Baby Broncos hit the stage with Corey Norman and Peter Wallace in charge of steering the ship. There is no doubting the Broncos talent, but how their halves control the side will determine how they will go in season 2012.
On the other side of the park Ben Roberts will team up with high profile signing Chris Sandow. The Eels have invested a lot of money in these two players. This simply has to work out, otherwise Stephen Kearney may find his head on the chopping block by seasons end.
There is a lot of speculation about whether Jarryd Hayne will be available for this match. Reports have suggested he has been training with the side late this week, so I would expect him to play.
The Eels really need this win. If they lose at home in front of a big crowd against a young Bronco’s team, it is not the best way to set up a successful season. Things could go pear shaped very quickly if the Eels get off to a slow start this season.
As for the Broncos, this is a side that I’m sure has confidence in their own ability. If they go out, try to keep things simple and not go out of their way to try and cover for the absence of Lockyer (Something they can not possibly do anyway) they should win this game.
You can join me from 7:30pm for my live blog of the game exclusively on The Roar!
The Gunning Eagle
Guest
I just wrote about this on my site. No Jarryd Hayne and Parramatta's lack of attacking creativity with the new halves combination. Ben Roberts and Chris Sandow clearly have some work to do on forming their partnership together.
League Freak
Roar Guru
Ben Hannant picks up the man of the match award, He was one of many good performers for the Broncos tonight. I hope you all enjoyed the Live Blog of the Eels vs Broncos match. Hopefully it got some of you through footy withdrawals if you couldn't get to a TV. You can get more League Freak in your life by following me on Twitter (User name is @LeagueFreak) Enjoy the rest of your night Roarsters!
League Freak
Roar Guru
It may only be game one of the season, and the Eels do have Hayne to come back, but I really didn't like what I saw from them tonight. Especially in that second half.
League Freak
Roar Guru
Well I think we will see the Broncos improve as the season goes on. Their halves in Norman and Wallace played better as the game went on. That will be the key for them this season. As for the Eels, Sandow was brilliant but at the end of the day, he was their ownly real attacking threat. The Broncos started to rush up and apply pressure to him and there was no alternative. The Eels started to panic, the turnovers come, and that was all she wrote.
League Freak
Roar Guru
Oh geez, its fallen apart here for the Eels. Some really bad signs. Their bad habits have all come back to haunt them in this second half. This will be a good tough win for this young Broncos team. The final siren sounds and its the Broncos 18 the Eels 6.
League Freak
Roar Guru
The Eels start falling off tackles, a nice run breaks the defense, the Broncos should have scored a try through Reed but it was called a forward pass. This cake looks like its going un-iced tonight!
League Freak
Roar Guru
The Eels push the ball wide and throw wayward pass. The Broncos recover the ball and make a break up field. The Eels are back pedaling but they recover.
League Freak
Roar Guru
This game is just winding down now. The Broncos playing it safe. The Eels simply not able to break the line. A bit of desperation footy now has the Eels making meters. The Broncos look controlled in defense though. A chip from dummy half for the Eels is knocked on by the Broncos on their own line. We will have a scrum here to the Eels 10 meters out. 2 and a half minutes left.
League Freak
Roar Guru
This second half by the Eels has been very poor. They've just offered up nothing. The Broncos have also looked to just physically wear the Eels down a bit.
League Freak
Roar Guru
The Broncos have a great set after the kickoff. Parramatta back on their own 30 in attack. They make decent meters by but are starting to look tired now.
League Freak
Roar Guru
A good strong run by McGuire gets the Eels on the back foot. The Broncos go back towards the sticks and a well times cut out pass puts Hannant in untouched. The Broncos go up 16-6 with a kick thats just about from in front. I think that will wrap it up for the Broncos. Ben Hannants 11th career try is converted by Corey Parker. Broncos 18 Eels 6 after 73 minutes.
League Freak
Roar Guru
Another charge down kick and the Broncos again have it just 20 meters out from the Eels line!
League Freak
Roar Guru
A knock on by the Broncos five meters out from the Eels line. Opportunity missed. They werent throwing anything special at the Eels, but the pressure looked like it would be enough there. The Eels now have it on their own ten meter line.
League Freak
Roar Guru
Oh terrible stuff by the Eels. Sandow put under pressure on the last, Burt gets the ball, the kick is charged down and the Broncos get the ball 20 meters out.
League Freak
Roar Guru
The Broncos just look stronger of the two teams at the moment as they hit the ball out of their own half. Sandow looks the key here though. He looks the most likely to break this game open. A nice Broncos kick into the Eels corner has the Eels under the pump in attack.
League Freak
Roar Guru
A good set of six by the Broncos and a decent kick puts the Eels deep in their own half.
League Freak
Roar Guru
Sandow proves for a gap. Runs around in a circle but cant find anything and offloads. Nothing comes of it and a kick on the last by Sandow is well taken by the Broncos Hoffman. The Broncos knock on soon after though and the Eels are on the attack. A few strong hit ups but the Broncos scrambling defense is good. An Eels bomb across field and in goal is taken well by Beale. 20 meter tap to the Broncos.
Whites
Guest
Retina display on my iPhone. The Roar is crystal clear.
League Freak
Roar Guru
A relieving penalty to the Eels. They really needed that. They take their time as they kick for touch. 10 meters out now.
League Freak
Roar Guru
The Broncos are looking the stronger side now. The Eels are falling off tackles. The Broncos put a clearing kick down field as the Eels SLOWLY back into position. They are in trouble here.