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.
Joab Ainui
Guest
Do more drils on defence, attack is ok.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I was happy because the Dragons stayed ahead of the Storm on the ladder. Guess I was happy because of that and thought I'd got the tip right without thinking about it.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wait no. Damn.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Broncos continue their strong start to 2015 with a 12-point home win over the Eels. Anthony Milford scored two second half tries for the victors, while Corey Parker was solid again with both the ball and the boot. For the Eels, Bureta Faraimo scored a hat trick, and he looks to be a good young player for the Eels. The Broncos go to equal top of the ladder, while the Eels will remain languishing on three wins for the season. Thanks for joining me for this game, and make sure to stick with The Roar for all you Sunday Afternoon footy.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
How funny were Watmough and Norman lipping on at each other in the background over who was supposed to tackle Milford.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
You tipped Manly?
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' The Eels were good tonight, but the Broncos were just a little better. We'll just go through the final two sets now, but they're a mere formality at this stage. Broncos 28 Eels 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well the Dragons wont be first on the ladder but im 6 from 6 in tipping!
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL 78' Corey Parker puts the cherry on the win. Broncos 28 Eels 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY BRONCOS 76' Watmough with a run to halfway. Paulo now just about loses the ball, but the Eels retain possession. Reece Robinson now takes on the defence, and he almost goes straight through. Norman puts a little grubber in, but it's very poor. Now Milford goes straight through the broken defensive line, and he will seal the deal!!! Broncos 26 Eels 16
Jodie Getsi
Guest
come on boys you can do that we can win this one..Go Brisbane broncos .
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
75' Not too much from the Broncos at the moment, as they look happy to defend this lead. Hunt kicks one deep, and Faraimo will bring it out. Broncos 22 Eels 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
74' Eels with a good set, and Norman stabs one through. Maranta is back there again, and he's tackled inside the 10. The Eels need a big defensive set here. Broncos 22 Eels 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
73' Last play Broncos, and Milford puts this one into touch about 5 from the Eels line. Under six minutes to go now. Broncos 22 Eels 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
72' Norman with the bomb, and Maranta with the catch. Maranta has been safe all night. Broncos 22 Eels 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
72' Will we see a Eels comeback here? They've got eight minutes to tie it up. Broncos 22 Eels 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Credit where credit is due. That was Sandow with the inside ball, not Corey Norman. Sandy converts. Broncos 22 Eels 16
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Nothing on previous years, and believe me, I've watched with intent. Maybe it's just getting the structures in place or something, new coach, etc. Brisbane should probably be up by quite a bit more, in my opinion.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY EELS 69' The Eels come to the right side, where Corey Norman has Faraimo on the inside. A great right foot step to get around Sam Thaiday, and the young winger has a hat-trick!!! Broncos 22 Eels 14
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
NO TRY EELS 69' Lachlan Maranta did a fantastic job to hold Tim Mannah up then. Danny Wicks winds up from the play the ball, and the Eels have two more plays. Broncos 22 Eels 10