NRL 2023, Parramatta Eels, Brisbane Broncos round 8 preview, team lists, Anzac round, ins and outs, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Fri 21 Apr 2023, 06:59 PM

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.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Friday 21 Apr

Full Time

Eels

Broncos

Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin

Highlights Latest

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.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Friday 21 Apr

Full Time

Eels

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
Centre for Eels is number 21 Bailey Simonsson

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
Winger for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Josh Hodgson

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
Lock for Eels is number 13 Ryan Matterson

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 J'maine Hopgood

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory Paix
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Brendan Hands

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Corey Jensen
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu Greig

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Matt Doorey

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau

Reserves

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jake Arthur

Replacement 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: 12/8/2023 1:10:51 AM

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.