NRL Round 25 Preview and Prediction -Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels @ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos (2nd) v Parramatta Eels (5th) @ Suncorp Stadium
 
Preview - We get a Thursday night blockbuster here as the Broncos and Eels lock horns, with both sides assured of their finals’ spot. The Broncos have been in dynamic form of late, securing a 5th straight victory with a 24-12 win over the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium last Friday night. The Broncos were not quite at their offensive best, however defended their goal line stoutly throughout to remain in 2nd position on the ladder. The Eels got back to winning ways after their shock loss to the Knights with a comprehensive 28-4 victory over the Titans at ANZ Stadium. The Eels remain a chance to finish in the Top 4 if they win their final games, and if results fall their way. 

History - It is not often teams play each other twice in the space of 4 weeks however that is the case here. The Eels stunned the Broncos 28-14 at ANZ Stadium in Round 21 coming from 12-0 to produce arguably their performance of the season. Outside of that result in Round 21 the Broncos ba e a good recent record against the Eels having won the 3 games previous as well as the last 2 at Suncorp Stadium. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos are relatively untroubled with injury with just Tevita Pangai Jnr out with a hamstring injury. Jaydn Su'A is his replacement on the bench, with Benji Marshall once again named as 18th man. Wayne Bennett has publicly challenged his halfback Kodi Nikorima to dominate, and take charge of games more often, after a quiet performance last week against the Dragons. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels have a few problems this week with both Bevan French and Manu Ma’u out through injury and suspension respectively. Will Smith will get an opportunity to start at fullback, whilst veteran back rower Frank Pritchard gets an opportunity to come back into the team. Semi Radradra tore the Titans apart last week, and Brad Arthur will be desperate for his strike winger to have another big game against the Broncos. 
 
Verdict - Broncos by 10-18

This has the potential to be a great game after what we saw between these two Clubs a month ago. Back at ANZ Stadium, the Eels came from 12-0 down to run down the Broncos and managed to get on top in the forwards and play a very physical brand of football. I think that loss might have stung the Broncos, and they have the perfect opportunity to serve up some revenge here. The Broncos have been close to unbeatable at home in the second half of the season, and I really like the style of football they are playing. I just think they’re a year or two ahead of Parramatta in terms of quality and experience in really big games and I think that could shine through here. I think the loss of both Bevan French and Manu Ma'u are bygones and leaves a few holes in this Eels side.  I expect the Eels to make this a bruising contest, but I think the Broncos, at home, have a touch more quality and consistency and can win by a couple of tries at least.