Broncos v Eels: Sailor the No.1 gun; Sivo to start
Losses in eight of their past nine matches have left the Eels in a dogfight to avoid their first wooden spoon since 2018 while last year's grand finalists Brisbane have also endured a trying season.
Entering 2024 with huge expectations on the back of their epic run to the grand final, the Broncos lost to the Roosters, Panthers and Storm inside the first five rounds and have struggled for consistency all season.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Broncos v Eels
With big guns Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Ezra Mam all suffering injuries in recent weeks, the task of restoring some pride in the final rounds has become a whole lot tougher for Kevin Walters' men.
In front of their home fans at Suncorp Stadium they will be expected to get the job done against an Eels side missing star halfback Mitch Moses and forward leader Junior Paulo with long-term injuries.
Inspirational skipper Clint Gutherson will again look to lift his troops as they chase a sixth win of the season to keep last-placed Wests Tigers at bay.
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 25 -
home Team
Broncos
9th Position
away Team
Eels
17th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Broncos: Tristan Sailor is the new fullback with Reece Walsh (wrist) sidelined while Selwyn Cobbo returns on the wing. Josiah Karapani goes to the bench. One hour from kick-off, Ben Te Kura remains in the squad as 18th player.
Eels: Winger Maika Sivo and back-rower Kelma Tuilagi move into the starting side after coming off the bench last week in their return from injury. Tuilagi takes over from Shaun Lane, who goes to prop to replace Wiremu Greig (suspended). In a late change an hour from kick-off, Luca Moretti's return from a quad injury is postponed, with Jake Tago coming into the bench and Matt Doorey remaining at the replacement player.
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 25 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tristan SailorFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Selwyn CobboWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Deine MarinerCentre for Eels is number 4 Blaize Talagi
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Jesse ArtharsWinger for Eels is number 5 Sean Russell
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Josh RogersFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Eels is number 7 Daejarn Asi
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Corey JensenProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy WaltersHooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Xavier WillisonProp for Eels is number 10 Shaun Lane
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
-
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 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Blake MozerInterchange for Eels is number 14 Joey Lussick
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Kobe HetheringtonInterchange for Eels is number 15 Makahesi Makatoa
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Josiah KarapaniInterchange for Eels is number 17 Dan Keir
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin TaupauInterchange for Eels is number 18 Jake Tago
Reserves
-
Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Benjamin Te KuraReplacement for Eels is number 19 Matt Doorey
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored 11 tries in his past 12 games.
- Broncos winger Deine Mariner has scored four tries in two games against the Eels.
- The Eels have lost nine from 10 away from home this season.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored five tries in his past five games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
