Broncos v Eels: Reynolds back at helm; Asi moves to centre
The Broncos continue to answer every challenge thrown at them in their pursuit of a first minor premiership since 2000 and will fancy their chances of knocking off the Eels in front a big crowd at The Gabba.
When the sides clashed in Darwin in Round 8 the Broncos prevailed 26-16 on a night which saw Payne Haas suspended for a hip drop tackle that left Eels big man Reagan Campbell-Gillard sidelined for seven weeks.
The two big men won't get to renew their rivalry this weekend with Campbell-Gillard out suspended, so Haas will turn his attention to matching motors with Junior Paulo in a battle for supremacy in the middle.
The Broncos' forwards continue to punch out big metres and lay the platform for their speed men to shine, and unless the Eels can contain Haas, Pat Carrigan, Thomas Flegler and Corey Jensen they could be in for a long night.
Sitting ninth and with games against the Broncos, Roosters and Panthers to come before a final round bye, the Eels will need to find another gear if they're to be part of the finals for a fifth straight season.
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Team news
Broncos: Kevin Walters' side take the field as named, with Adam Reynolds returning to action after missing last week with a groin complaint. Kobe Hetherington (back cork) also returns on the bench and Jordan Riki is in the starting pack, after being 18th man last week following his recovery from a foot injury. Deine Mariner comes in on the wing for Jesse Arthars (head knock).
Eels: No late changes for the Eels, which means Daejarn Asi starts at centre with Bailey Simonsson shifting to the wing. Hooker Brendan Hands has been recalled on the bench and Andrew Davey is named to start, with Ryan Matterson on the interchange.
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 24 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece WalshFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Deine MarinerWinger for Eels is number 2 Bailey Simonsson
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Eels is number 4 Daejarn Asi
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Eels is number 5 Sean Russell
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra MamFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Thomas FleglerProp for Eels is number 8 Joe Ofahengaue
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy WaltersHooker for Eels is number 9 Joey Lussick
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne HaasProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Andrew Davey
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick CarriganLock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson SmoothyInterchange for Eels is number 14 Luca Moretti
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Brendan PiakuraInterchange for Eels is number 15 Ryan Matterson
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe HetheringtonInterchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu Greig
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan PalasiaInterchange for Eels is number 17 Brendan Hands
Reserves
-
Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Corey Jensen
-
Reserve for Eels is number 18 Makahesi Makatoa
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos (534 points) and Eels (533) are ranked 1 and 2 for points scored this season.
- The Broncos have now won five games in a row twice this season - from Round 1-5 and Round 18-24 (bye in round 19).
- The Broncos have not defeated the Eels twice in a season since 2016
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored eight tries in his past seven games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have scored 142 points in their past four games.
- Halfback Mitchell Moses will play his 150th game for the Eels and Broncos prop Payne Haas plays his 100th NRL game.
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 24 -
home Team
Broncos
1st Position
away Team
Eels
10th Position
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
