The Eels will paint Darwin Blue & Gold this week as the club makes its annual trip to the Top End for an NRL match against the Brisbane Broncos.
With the Eels coming into form and Brisbane leading the competition after seven rounds, the Northern Territory is set to be treated to a blockbuster encounter.
The match will double up as an Anzac Round celebration, with both the Eels and Broncos to wear special jerseys commemorating the defence forces of Australia and New Zealand.
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Team News
The Eels are at full strength for their trip to Darwin, as Josh Hodgson returns from an illness that ruled him out of last week's win.
He resumes starting hooker duties, with Brendan Hands to revert to the bench.
Meanwhile, Brisbane welcome Corey Oates and Thomas Flegler back from injury.
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 8 -
home Team
Eels
11th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
Recent History
Classic Encounter: Eels v Broncos
The Eels have enjoyed a dominant run of form against Brisbane over the past five seasons.
Parramatta have won six of their past seven meetings with the Broncos, dating back to the famous 58-0 demolition job in the 2019 Finals.
The Eels hosted the Broncos in Darwin just two seasons ago, with Parramatta putting on a show for Darwin in a 46-6 win.
Form Guide
The Eels fly to Darwin on the back of their most dominant display of the season, a 30-4 thrashing of the Bulldogs.
NRL Match Highlights: Eels v Bulldogs
Now with back-to-back wins under their belt, in addition to the golden point victory over Penrith, the Eels hold a 3-4 record and sit just two points outside the top 8.
Brisbane have started the year strongly, topping the table with six wins from seven matches.
Their sole loss came a fortnight ago when they were ambushed by the Raiders at home, before bouncing back against the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Key Match-Up
Clint Gutherson and Reece Walsh play contrasting brands of football but are equally influential to their respective teams.
Gutherson has been one of Parramatta’s standout players this season with four tries, four try assists and countless crucial defensive plays.
Walsh, who recently told the media he studies Gutherson’s game for inspiration, has also been brilliant for the Broncos this season and has 12 try involvements to his name already.
The two no. 1s will be sure to have their say on Friday night’s match.
Key Stat
Friday night marks Parramatta’s ninth match in Darwin since launching the annual fixture in 2014.
The Eels have turned TIO Stadium into a genuine Blue & Gold fortress, winning six of the eight matches they have played in the Northern Territory to date.
Match Details
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 8 -
home Team
Eels
11th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
