FRIDAY, 28^TH JULY 2017

ANZ STADIUM, HOMEBUSH, NSW

I’m very much looking forward to this game.

Nothing gets the Blue and Gold blood flowing more than when we come up against one of the competitions heavyweights, and we actually have a chance of winning.

This is the first of two games between these two sides within a matter of weeks. It’s another example of great scheduling from the governing body.

As reported in the media this week, the Eels have been given no chance by the bookies to take out the 2017 title without one C. Gutherson.

No doubt the team will prove that wrong with a much-improved performance this week than the one shown against the Tigers. I expect to see them taking that step up to cover for King Gutho.

So, let’s look at some stats between these two sides.

Last 10 Games

The Broncos hold a 6 wins to 4 record against the Eels from the last 10 matches. Any team would gladly take a near 50% record in their last 10 games against Brisbane. However, we need to stop the rot, as the Broncos have taken the honours in the last 3 encounters.

Score Aggregate

Eels – 200        Broncos – 211

Score Average

Eels – 20          Broncos – 21

The Eels and Broncos have played each other 51 times with the Broncos having a 31 to 19 advantage over the Eels.

At ANZ, they have played each other 3 times with the Eels up 2 wins to 1.

The Eels have played 70 games at ANZ with a 33/36 win loss record and the Broncos have played there 37 times with a 21/16 win loss record.

For 2017, the Eels sit in seventh spot with 11 wins and 7 losses, scoring 18.6 points p/g and conceding 19.6. The Broncos sit third with 12 wins and 6 losses. The Broncos score at 23.3 points p/g and concede 17.8 points p/g.

By Quarters (And GP)

Again the Eels can match it with their opposition in the first hour of the game, but really need superb game management in that last 20 minute period to quash a Broncos victory. That said, there has been an improvement in the Eels record during that last quarter of the match.

The Broncos have really only been piling on points late in their matches, so a good start and game management is key to this victory.

The Eels have won 10 times when ahead at the break with the Broncos winning 7 times when ahead at oranges. Parra have never lost a game when ahead at half time, but the Broncos have lost twice when in front at half time. The Eels have won once when down at the break while the Broncos have won 4 times after going to the sheds behind.

Attack:

*average per game (Ranking)

Defence:

*average per game (Ranking)

Discipline:

*average per game (Ranking)

As you would expect from a Wayne Bennett coached side, the Broncos are very high up in the majority of major stats.

Where Parramatta can get them is that the Broncos can get a bit lazy in defence. We need to utilise our quick men, especially on the edges of the ruck where the Broncos are a bit more vulnerable. Matt Gillett, Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt all miss around 3 tackles each on average per game and Adam Blair is also prone to miss a couple with lazy efforts.

This will be a high standard game. French v Boyd, Brown v McGuire, Norman and Moses v Origin pair Milford and Hunt. Imagine if the match conjures up a chase or two with Radradra v Roberts. Wouldn’t that be a sight to see with those two in full flight. Roberts chasing Semi of course (and not catching the Semi Trailer).

This will be a very physical encounter. I can see a change or two on the bench. I think B.A. will want to have big bodies out there as the Broncos can get quite physical, especially when they are chasing down teams for points.

So let’s get out to ANZ tomorrow night to cheer on the boys and lift them to victory over the Broncos.

Yours in Blue and Gold

Colmac

Stats courtesy of Champion Data. All these stats and more can be viewed on our match centre at http://mc.championdata.com/nrl/ including live game stats.

Champion Data

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