The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday 12 August for Round 23 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
For the Blue and Gold, Head Coach Brad Arthur has made two changes to his side that came away with a 10-9 victory over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles last week, with Peni Terepo called into the starting side in place of Beau Scott whilst David Gower and Rory O'Brien join an extended bench.
For the home side, coached by Wayne Bennett, they have named an unchanged side following their win against the Dragons last round, with New Zealand Internationals Jordan Kahu and Kodi Nikorima still missing through injury.
The Eels will be looking to put in a proud performance at Suncorp Stadium, and will enter the clash with plenty of confidence. Despite the Broncos having a strong record over the Blue and Gold, the Eels have won three of the last five clashes at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos came away 17-4 victors in Round One, 2016 however in the last six clashes, both sides have come away with three wins a piece.
The Eels are out of Finals contention however Head Coach Brad Arthur has a side that continually puts in performances he can be proud of. For the Broncos, the enter the clash with some inconsistent form, three wins from their last nine games, however will be looking to kick start their end of season run before their Finals campaign.
Blue and Gold fullback Michael Gordon will play his 200th NRL game.
Kick off is at 7:50pm.
Hear from Brad Arthur ahead of the R23 clash
Match Details: Dyldam Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday August 12. Kick off at 7:50pm.
Televised: Channel 9 – Live coverage from 7:30pm; Fox Sports 1 – Live coverage from 7:30pm.
The History: Played 50; Broncos 30, Eels 19, Drawn 1. The Broncos have an overall head to head win, however in the last six clashes, the two sides have come away with three wins a piece.
The last time these two sides met, the Broncos came away 17-4 victors in the Round One, 2016 season opener however the Blue and Gold have won three of the last five clashes at Suncorp Stadium.
Parramatta Eels Squad:
1. Michael Gordon 2. Vai Toutai 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Bevan French 6. Clinton Gutherson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Danny Wicks 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Peni Terepo
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. David Gower 16. Kenny Edwards 17. Daniel Alvaro 18. Rory O’Brien
Brisbane Broncos Squad:
1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Tom Opacic 4. James Roberts 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Jai Arrow 17. Alex Glenn
Match Officials:
Referee: Grant Atkins; Assistant Referee: Alan Shortall; Touch Judges: Russell Turner & Nick Morel; Review Officials: Ben Galea & Steve Chiddy; Senior RO: Bernard Sutton.
