The Parramatta Eels have endured a tough month of footy and will be looking to turnaround their fortunes when they take on the Brisbane Broncos at their home Bankwest Stadium.
The Blue and Gold need to win, to remain in the top eight.
Here are five things you need to know about the game.
Season defining game for both teams
The Eels and Broncos sit 8th and 9th respectively on the NRL ladder, with 12 competition points each.
However the Broncos have played one less game, missing the first half round during State of Origin, meaning they’ve won five games as opposed to the Eels’ 6 wins.
The next few round are set to define which teams are likely to play finals footy and which teams won’t.
Both teams will have to bring their A Game in Round 14 and show what they’re capable of.
Broncos boast big forward pack
The Broncos front rowers pack may be young, but they’re big.
The likes of Payne Haas, David Fifita and Matt Lodge may be young in their NRL careers, but they’re tough.
Parramatta will need to show some guts to stand up to the pack, especially in the middle where several tries have been scored in the Blue and Gold’s last few games.
Nathan Brown returns to Eels starting line-up
After making a successful return to the game last week, Eels forward Nathan Brown will this week start up the front.
Known to give his all in every run he makes, Brown is key to the Eels making metres and defending their try line.
Brown will play some decent minutes and will be a massive boost to the Blue and Gold if he’s on his game.
Team changes
While the Eels are near full strength, the Broncos have been hit hard with some injuries.
However, some changes have been made to the Blue and Gold with Jaeman Salmon recalled into the halves, as well as Ray Stone to the bench.
Their return sees Will Smith and Tepai Moeroa dropped to the reserves.
The Broncos are without injured halfback Tom Dearden and back-rower Alex Glenn.
Young rookie Sean O’Sullivan will step into the halves with just one NRL game under his belt.
But it’s not all bad news with Matt Gillett returning from Origin and Corey Oates also re-joining the side after recovering from a hip injury.
Farewell game to retiring Kaysa Pritchard
Parramatta Eels hooker Kaysa Pritchard has announced his retirement from rugby league after suffering a serious injury in 2018.
Kaysa made his NRL debut for the Eels in 2013 and went on to play 47 games.
He also represented Samoa.
He will be honoured for his contribution to the club during the Eels v Broncos Round 14 match at Bankwest Stadium.
