Eels v Broncos: Cherrington returns; Ali back to boost spine
This one is arguably the clash of the round.
Parramatta are coming off a confidence-boosting 42-16 win over Cronulla, while the Broncos suffered a disappointing 28-20 loss to the Titans, so will be coming in hot.
The Eels’ performance against the Sharks was among its best this season.
Rachael Pearson expertly steered the team around and the Eels' pack consistently won field position, allowing the outside backs to capitalise. While they remain outside the top eight, the manner of the win suggested they may yet have a role to play in the finals race.
The Broncos will view last week's loss as a missed opportunity. Brisbane created chances but were unable to consistently contain the Titans, particularly during crucial moments. Despite the setback, they have one of the competition’s most experienced and dangerous squads, so always be wary.
The key battle could be between the halves. Parramatta will lean heavily on Pearson's kicking game and organisation, while Brisbane's experienced spine will be looking to create opportunities for their strike players on the edges. Whichever side controls possession and territory is likely to dictate the pace of the clash.
Expect a highly competitive contest.
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 9 -
home Team
Eels
11th Position
away Team
Broncos
4th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Eels: Representative forward Kennedy Cherrington is a late addition on the has been as she returns from a facial fracture. Khyliah Gray shifts to 18th player. Cherrington's return is the only change to the side that downed the Sharks last week.
Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with no late changes. A massive boost for the premiers with the return of five-eighth Ali Brigginshaw from suspension. She will partner Jesse Southwell in the halves, shifting Georgia Bartlett back to the centres. Julia Robinson moves to the wing, with Caitlin Urwin reverting to 18th player. Other changes see Reegan Hicks promoted to prop, with Lillian Yarrow shifting to lock. Destiny Brill is out after injuring her calf last week, with Bree Spreadborough moving to the bench.
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 9 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi ChurchFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Zali FayWinger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri Johnson
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Rory OwenCentre for Broncos is number 3 Deleni Paitai
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Jasmin MorrisseyCentre for Broncos is number 4 Georgia Bartlett
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Martha MataeleWinger for Broncos is number 5 Julia Robinson
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-HikuFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ali Brigginshaw
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael PearsonHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Broncos is number 8 Shannon Mato
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Taneka TodhunterHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Boss KapuaProp for Broncos is number 10 Reegan Hicks
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Fontayne Tufuga2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Keilee JosephLock for Broncos is number 13 Lillian Yarrow
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Layne MorganInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Rhemy Hinckesman
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Ryvrr-Lee AloInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Chloe JacksonInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Bree Spreadborough
-
Interchange for Eels is number 18 Kennedy CherringtonInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Harlem Walker
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 17 Khyliah GrayReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Caitlin Urwin
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have scored 72 points in their last two games
- The Broncos have won three from three at CommBank Stadium
- Eels winger Martha Mataele has scored five tries from her past four games at CommBank Stadium
- Broncos interchange forward Chelsea Lenarduzzi has scored five tries from her past six games
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
