NRL Round 23 - Friday Night Preview
Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels@ Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane will be looking to make a late charge for the Top 4 as they take on Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium on Friday Night. The Broncos returned to the winners circle with an unconvincing triumph over the Dragons at a wet Win Stadium in Wollongong. The win stopped an alarming slide which had seen the Broncos lose 7 of their last 9 matches. The Eels showed their remain a highly committed group after scrapping their way to a controversial 10-9 win over old rivals Manly last Friday Night.
The Broncos field an unchanged side from last week as they look to find their form. Surely if Wayne Bennett's men are to make any real impression in the finals they made to put down a marker in the next few weeks. The Broncos are close to full strength and in front of their home fans there is no better time to get another confidence boosting win against the injury ravaged Eels. Their defence much improved last week, although it still looks a long way from the intimidating force it was at the start of this season.
The Eels welcome back David Gower and Peni Terepo, but lose Beau Scott. They showed last week their defence remains their hallmark as injuries have chipped away at their attacking threat. The Eels rookie Beven French has proved an excitement machine on the wing and has added a spark to Parramatta. The Eels actually have the same winning record at the Broncos with 11 wins and 9 losses and will want to prove they are a better side by pulling off an upset on Friday Night. When the teams met in the first match of the season back in Round 1 the Broncos proved too strong winning a grinding affair 17-4.
Verdict - I am still not convinced by Brisbane and I can't see this being one way traffic. If Parramatta had less injuries and more to play for then I would be very tempted to pick them. However the opposite is the case and I just see Brisbane finding a way given the stakes at play for them. On a dry track look for Milford and Hunt to find a bit of their early season form. Broncos by 13.