Eels v Broncos: Dunster out, Simonsson in; Flegler, Oates return
The Broncos continue to set a hot pace at the top of the table and they get the opportunity to test themselves against one of the heavyweights in Darwin on Friday night.
With Dally M leaders Reece Walsh and Payne Haas in rare form and Adam Reynolds marshalling his troops magnificently, the Broncos boast a 6-1 record on the back of the NRL's slickest attack.
The Eels, meanwhile, look to be hitting top gear on the back of wins over Wests Tigers and Bulldogs but Brad Arthur is well aware a much sterner test awaits in the shape of the Broncos.
When the Eels travelled to Darwin in Round 8 last year they found themselves on the end of 35-4 hammering from North Queensland but back in 2021 they put 46 points on Brisbane at TIO Stadium with Maika Sivo running in a hat-trick so that's the formline Parra fans will choose to follow.
Sivo's double against the Bulldogs on Sunday took him to nine tries for the season, one more than Rabbitoh Campbell Graham and Dolphins duo Jamayne Isaako and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The Broncos are getting input across the park with centre Kotoni Staggs scoring six tries, winger Selwyn Cobbo five and no fewer than five others all boasting four tries in 2023, including Walsh and Ezra Mam.
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 8 -
home Team
Eels
11th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
Team News
Eels: A late change for the Eels with Bailey Simonsson coming into the backline at the expense of Haze Dunster. Simonsson is listed in the centres with Sean Russell remaining on the wing but look for a possible switch. Hooker Josh Hodgson is a confirmed starter after missing Sunday's game against the Bulldogs due to illness. Brendan Hands goes back to the bench and Makahesi Makatoa drops out. Jakob Arthur is 18th man.
Broncos: There are no late changes from Kevin Walters. Prop Thomas Flegler (concussion) and winger Corey Oates (jaw) are good to go so Corey Jensen moves to the bench, Keenan Palasia to the reserves and Jesse Arthars to 18th man. Oates hasn't played since breaking his jaw in Round 2 against the Cowboys.
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 8 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika SivoWinger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Eels is number 21 Bailey SimonssonCentre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Eels is number 4 Sean RussellWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Josh HodgsonHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Ryan MattersonLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 J'maine HopgoodInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory Paix
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Brendan HandsInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Corey Jensen
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu GreigInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Matt DooreyInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jake ArthurReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Jesse Arthars
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won six of their past seven games against the Broncos.
- Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki has scored four tries in his past three games.
- The Eels have won six of their eight games played in Darwin.
- The Broncos lost their only previous game in Darwin by 40 points (v Eels in 2021).
- Eels second-rower Shaun Lane will play his 150th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
