Last night the Brisbane Broncos travelled to CommBank Stadium and defeated the Parramatta Eels 36-14.

This loss has all but ruled out the Eels chances of making the top four in 2022 and has put a lot of pressure on head coach Brad Arthur who has reportedly been shopped around to rival clubs including the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs.

On the flip side, Brisbane are now sitting in the top four after the big win and will remain there at round’s end if the South Sydney Rabbitohs defeat the Melbourne Storm on Saturday night.

Arthur and his captain Clint Gutherson were deflated in the post-game press conference but made their disappointment with a certain decision known.

In the second half Eels centre Waqa Blake seemingly crossed over for a try that would have put his side back in the game but the call was overruled by the Bunker through a Makahesi Makatoa obstruction on Broncos captain Adam Reynolds.

The Bunker’s perspective was not shared by Arthur who went on to explain why he believed the decision was incorrect.

“We had a try disallowed, that would have put us within 10 with 20 minutes to go,” Arthur said.

“I think he is inside shoulder, if you are leading with the outside shoulder it is a different story but he is inside shoulder.

 
“Maybe the defender was coming from outside him.”

Reynolds was also asked about the call in Brisbane’s press conference.

“Set myself pretty tight to get myself in front of that lead runner,” said Reynolds.

“He’s a big body so I needed to get myself in front of him.

“Tried to check him and release, got bumped.

“It’s part of the rules.”

Brisbane take on the last-placed Wests Tigers next week as they now look to keep their spot in the top four while the Eels have a tougher task when they host the defending premiers and first-placed Penrith Panthers in a huge local derby with the Panthers looking to exact revenge for the loss they suffered to Parramatta earlier in the season.

The Eels risk becoming the only team in the top eight with a negative for and against if they lose by 15 points or more.