NRL Round 21 Preview and Prediction - Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos @ ANZ Stadium
Parramatta Eels (7th) v Brisbane Broncos (3rd) @ ANZ Stadium
Preview - We get a Friday night cracker here between two teams seemingly bound for the finals, as the Eels and Broncos collide at ANZ Stadium on Friday night. The Eels managed a 6th win from their past 8 starts in a thrilling 17-16 victory over the Tigers on Sunday at ANZ Stadium. After looking like they were going to blow the Tigers away early, the Eels bumbled and fumbled their way through most of this game, however Corey Norman’s composed field goal at the death delivered another crucial close victory which takes them that step closer to a first finals’ appearance since 2009. The Broncos have surged into 3rd position after a highly impressive 42-12 demolition of a struggling Bulldogs’ outfit at Suncorp Stadium last Thursday night. The Broncos, with the Origin period now over, look in great shape to get that crucial Top 4 position should they continue their strong form over the final 6 weeks of the regular season.
History - Brisbane have a good record against the Eels of late winning their last three matches by 12 points r more on each occasion. The Broncos have not lost to the Eels in Sydney since going down narrowly 19-18 back in 2013. Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford has four tries in his last three games against the Eels, and was starting to look back to somewhere near his best form last start.
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels will have to do without Clint Gutherson for the rest of the season after he tragically tore his ACL against the Wests Tigers last Sunday. Gutherson has done a magnificent job at five-eight and recently at fullback, and the energy and quality he brings to the Eels’ side will be sorely missed. Bevan French gets an opportunity back in his preferred position at fullback, with Josh Hoffman going back to the wing.
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos will be sweating on the fitness of Captain Darius Boyd as he returns from a hand injury after missing the past month of football. Boyd has been named to play, however needs to get through a final training session on Thursday. Kodi Nikorima looks set to miss out despite impressing at fullback last week, with Benji Marshall looking set to win the utility role on the bench.
Verdict - Broncos 1-8 in a low scoring game
This will be a really interesting game with the Eels certain to have a strong following behind them, given they are enjoying their best season for several years. I was tempted to tip the Eels, however I think the loss of Gutherson is a big one so I am leaning towards the Broncos in a close and physical game. I expect on a slippery track at ANZ that this game might be lower scoring than many people expect, with only a few games to the finals ahead. The Broncos have not won an away game by more than 9 points this season, so I don't think they are anywhere near the side they have been at Suncorp at times this season. However, I wasn’t overall convinced by the Eels’ performance against the Tigers, so I will stick with the Broncos to sneak home by a try or less in a high quality game.