Match Preview – Broncos vs Eels (Round 12)
Date: Thursday 24th of May
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Kick off: 7:50pm
Head Referee: Ashley Klein
Assistant Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Head to head: Played 53, Broncos 31, Eels 21, drawn 1
Head to head odds: Broncos ($ 1.48), Eels ($ 2.70)
Broadcast: Live Channel Nine: 7:30pm
Last four encounters:
01. Eels 52, Broncos 34 at Suncorp (2017)
02. Eels 28, Broncos 14 at ANZ Stadium (2017)
03. Broncos 38, Eels 16 at Suncorp (2016)
04. Broncos 17, Eels 4 at Pirtek Stadium (2016)
The Warm Up:
The Broncos enter this clash as last-up winners after snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat against the Sydney Roosters. In contrast, the Parramatta Eels struggled in delivering yet another disappointing loss, this time against the New Zealand Warriors.
The Broncos look the clear cut favourites and should get the win. The Eels, though clearly underdogs, have a habit of performing well against the Broncos in Brisbane and have a strong Queensland supporter base.
Anything can happen in the NRL. Maybe we should again expect the unexpected!
Having a Bet:
My value bet is the Brisbane Broncos to claim the win coupled with James Roberts to score at least one try – at $2.50 via Sportsbet.
The first try favourites are:
Broncos: Corey Oates – $8.50
Broncos: Jamayne Isaako – $10
Eels: Bevan French – $11
Eels: George Jennings – $13
Feed Your Footy Brain:
The ledger for the last six matches between the teams sits at three wins apiece. This one could go down to the wire.
Tracking: Clinton Gutherson.
Eels captain Clint Gutherson has been named at five eighth, swapping positions with Corey Norman who’s been named at fullback. This is an interesting development as it would seem the Eels are attempting to solidify Mitchell Moses as their primary playmaker.
The shift of Norman to fullback may be concerning to the supporters of Norman, given his preference for a playmaker role. That said, Norman is currently playing an indecisive brand of football, frustrating himself, his supports and the fans (if not his coaches). A switch may be just what he needs to find both enjoyment and confidence once again.
Danger man:
Broncos centre James Roberts is a genuine match breaker and arguably one of the fastest players in the NRL. His pace means that he can find the try line from just about anywhere on the field. The clue to shutting him down is as simple as not giving him the space to utilise his speed. The Roosters showed the folly of allowing him to get outside the defence, as the field opened up in front of him so that he could do what he does best.
With Origin selection around the corner, he’ll be looking to again impress coach Daley. This will no doubt spell danger for the Eels.
Team lists:
Brisbane Broncos (9th coming into the round)
01. Darius Boyd (C)
02. Corey Oates
03. James Roberts
04. Jordan Kahu
05. Jamayne Isaako
06. Anthony Milford
07. Kodi Nikorima
08. Matt Lodge
09. Andrew McCullough
10. Sam Thaiday
11. Tevita Pangai Junior
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Joe Ofahengaue
14. Sam Tagataese
15. George Fai
16. Kotoni Staggs
17. Patrick Mogo
18. Tom Opacic
19. Troy Dargan
20. Josh McGuire
21. David Fifita
Coach: Wayne Bennett
Late mail: No late changes expected from the Brisbane Broncos, Josh McGuire will not play.
Parramatta Eels (16th coming into the round)
01. Corey Norman
02. Bevan French
03. Michael Jennings
04. Brad Takairangi
05. George Jennings
06. Clinton Gutherson (C)
07. Mitchell Moses
08. Daniel Alvaro
09. Cameron King
10. Siosaia Vave
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. Peni Terepo
14. Will Smith
15. Suaia Matagi
16. David Gower
17. Marata Niukore
18. Ray Stone
19. Jaeman Salmon
20. Kane Evans
21. Josh Hoffman
Coach: Brad Arthur
Late mail: No late changes expected for the Eels – they should remain 1 to 17.
Darius Boyd vs Corey Norman:
Things sure can change drastically in the NRL over the space of 12 weeks. Corey Norman has gone from being one of the Eels elite, to becoming an individual who’s future at the club remains uncertain. Eels rookie sensation Jaeman Salmon is said to be snapping at the Norman’s heels and this week might be the first step towards Salmon taking the five-eighth spot in the near future.
If Brad Arthur is no longer seeing Norman as a playmaker, then Norman is in need of some good performances to solidify his place on the roster moving forward. He’s not inexperienced in the custodian role, so the likelihood of succeeding at the back isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. The ball is in his court.
Broncos fullback Darius Boyd had a slow start to the season but now, with Origin around the corner, it’s not unexpected that he’d be finding his form. With a young squad around him, his experience has started coming to the fore. Expect him to do the basics of fullback play well – organising the defence, being in position for kick returns and defence, and pushing up in support.
The key for the Eels will be to put Boyd under pressure. Well placed attacking bombs, grubber kicks in goal, long kicks to the corners. Don’t allow him to link up with his powerful wingers. It’s sure to be part of the Eels tip sheet.
The Winner Is:
I’m tipping a Broncos win in this one. The Eels seem a shamble at the moment. I really thought they would defeat the Warriors last Friday night but they looked in all sorts of trouble at times against a Warriors side without their two biggest stars Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa Sheck. Put me down for a Broncos victory, Broncos 28, Eels 10.
Man of the match: James Roberts, Tevita Pangai Junior or Anthony Milford.
Enjoy the game, GO THE EELS !!!
Nathan
Eels by 6
Referees and hometown by 14. If we do not stop the middle 3rd we are in strife. Have to aim up and that is simple; play tough football; and play tough; lock up ball to reduce 2nd phase.
We are in for a rough night
Go Parra!!
I don’t think we have a Cory Oates, James Roberts or Andrew McCullagh, and the Broncs usually seem hard to win penalties against. When I look at our team on paper I can get convinced there’s enough there to match the Broncs if completions and discipline are good, no early meltdowns which seem to put us on the back foot, high tackle count bringing low energy in the red zone defensive scramble(which Darius Boyd sweats on). So, fingers crossed for good start and no gifting error/penalty cart ups( a couple our way OK).
Broncos 58
Parramatta 0
Madness yes, but I have a good feeling about this game. Then I remember we have Mr Klein. Go Parra play with pride.
Shelley I think you certainly on both accounts, I believe that the majority of them played with Pride and Klink was his usual, 3 tries dissalowed.
I reckon we’ll see the best of Norman tonight. It’s really do or for for him, especially with Salmon named in the squad. This might enable Moses to fire. Don’t be surprised if Parra pull this off, but it would need a mighty turn around.