7.50 pm Thursday, May 28: Broncos v Eels. Broadcast on Channel Nine, Fox League.

An interesting matchup to relaunch the new season, two teams with plenty of history and rugby league tradition, both of these teams began with two wins before the pandemic restrictions were introduced, Broncos beating the Rabbitohs and Cowboys, the Eels beating the Titans and Bulldogs.

Delving into this particular game, the question that needs answering is motivation, who wants this game more? looking back at the last time these two teams met, the Parramatta Eels at home thumped the Broncos 58-0, the Broncos playing this game at home should have that in the back of their minds playing the Eels this time around, but that doesn’t guarantee a Broncos victory but it does suggest some extra motivation.

Team Changes

The Broncos

OUTS

Tevita Pangai Jnr (suspension) is out
David Fifita (knee) is out
Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Bullemor are the likely players to drop out of the 17.

INS

Joe Ofahengaue from a club-imposed two-game suspension.
New captain Alex Glenn is expected to play his first game of the year after overcoming a hamstring issue.
Brodie Croft (shoulder) and Corey Oates (ribs) are also available after copping knocks in March.
Matt Lodge confirmed will play.

Brisbane Broncos 2020 squad list excluding above changes below;

 
1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jamil Hopoate 13. Patrick Carrigan Reserves: 14. Herbie Farnworth 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Rhys Kennedy 17. Ethan Bullemor 18. Tesi Niu 19. Xavier Coates 20. Tom Dearden 21. Matthew Lodge

The Eels

OUTS

Nathan Brown will miss rounds three and four after copping a dangerous conduct suspension, Peni Terepo the possible replacement option.
Reed Mahoney’s foot injury is also in some doubt, to be confirmed.

Parramatta Eels 2020 squad list excluding above changes below;

 
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Marata Niukore Reserves: 14. Brad Takairangi 15. Ray Stone 16. Kane Evans 17. Peni Terepo 18. Oregon Kaufusi 19. George Jennings 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. David Gower

Last time they met

The last time these two met Parramatta Eels thumped the Brisbane Broncos 58-0 at home,  before that though Parramatta have played Brisbane Broncos at home on more than 10 occasions and the home field advantage leans towards the Brisbane Broncos having a home win rate of 60% against the Parramatta Eels.

The ERL Prediction

Parramatta Eels for the win.