The second of Saturday’s NRL Round 9 matches is between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. The opening kick is set to commence at 7.30pm local time with the game to be played at Parramatta Stadium. The away team the Brisbane Broncos are the current favourites in the market despite being well beaten last week. View our preview and teams for the game between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.
Parramatta Stadium
Featured Bookmakers:
Parramatta Eels $2.60 vs Brisbane Broncos $1.50 at Sportsbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Parramatta Eels $2.75 vs Brisbane Broncos $1.46 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Odds Comparison by NRL Odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Parramatta Eels | 2.60 | 2.60 | 2.75 | 2.60 | 2.60 | 2.63 |
|
Brisbane Broncos
|
1.50 | 1.50 | 1.46 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.51 |
Preview:
Parramatta hosted the Cowboys last week and led to the 70th minute mark before allowing Cowboys Centre, Brent Tate to cross for a soft try that helped his side to a 14-10 victory.
It has capped off what has been poor month for the Eels with a heavy loss to Penrith 44-12 in round 7, preceded by a loss to Gold Coast (28-22) where Parramatta blew a 22-8 lead in the second half.
Wins have been that sporadic for the Eels over the past few seasons and despite putting themselves in a position to in recent weeks, they’ve forgotten how to win.
The Broncos faced South Sydney last week and were dealt a blow the morning of the match with centre Justin Hodges and forward Josh McGuire withdrawing due to injury.
The Brisbane side were more than competitive in the first half and led at the break 12-8 but were slow out of the blocks early in the second half and let in three Rabbitohs tries in the space of ten minutes.
Despite trying valiantly thereafter, they were unable to reel the Bunnies in and lost 26-12.
There were enough positives out of the game for the Broncos to build and with the return of Hodges this week, they’ll be stronger again.
They are 5-2 at the line this year and 2-0 when away as favourites. Expect the Broncos to enhance both records here.
Teams:
Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne (c), Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Vai Toutai, Luke Kelly, Chris Sandow, Fuifui Moimoi, Matt Keating, Tim Mannah, Reni Maitua (c), Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo Interchange: Kaysa Pritchard, Darcy Lussick, Joseph Paulo, Mitchell Allgood, Api Pewhairangi
Brisbane Broncos:
Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jordan Kahu, Scott Prince, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (c), Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker
Interchange: Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, David Hala, Jarrod Wallace, Josh McGuire, David Stagg (two to be omitted)
Eels-bound Norman will cope: Hoffman
Josh Hoffman is confident his Eels-bound teammate Corey Norman’s emotions won’t get the better of him against Parramatta on Saturday.
Norman has signed a head-turning multi-year deal to link with Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow next season.
Eels fans will be keen to see what their new acquisition can do, although they’d be hoping he is not a match winner on this occasion.
The 22 year-old Brisbane fullback has kept a low profile, dodging interviews to escape the inevitable media questions following his decision to leave a club that’s been home since his early teens.
There’s also constant speculation he could activate a get-out clause that’s valid until round 13, allowing him to stay with the Broncos.
The club though, isn’t anticipating that scenario.
“Corey’s always been great at blocking out distractions, he’s a real tough kid that way,” said Hoffman on Tuesday.
“He good at pushing those things out of his mind and getting focused on a game.
“He hasn’t been strutting around talking about next year or Parramatta, he’s not even mentioned them.
“The Broncos are his team at the moment and they will be his focus on Saturday.”
Since moving to the wing to accommodate Norman’s shift to fullback after recruiting Scott Prince to the halves, Hoffman has become something of a try scoring machine.
He’s scored seven tries in eight matches and formed a strong combination outside English international Jack Reed on the left flank.
“We work on it a lot at training and he’s really surprised everyone with his passing game,” he said.
“He’s set up a lot of tries for me and he’s playing his best football.”
Coach Anthony Griffin named Justin Hodges (groin) Josh McGuire (calf) and David Stagg (knee) in an extended squad on Tuesday.
Jordan Kahu moves to the wing at Lachlan Maranta’s expense to accommodate Hodges.
Forward Ben Hannant limped off early from Tuesday’s training session with a leg injury.
