NRL: Broncos looking to restore some pride

Brisbane Broncos will be playing for pride when they take on Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

After reaching the grand final in 2023, hopes were high for the Broncos heading into the new season, but it has turned out to be a nightmare.

A poor start to the season, coupled with injuries to key players, means they will not even make the top eight.

Even so, they have to give the fans some hope for 2024 and will be keen to finish this season on a high.

The Eels have also had a season to forget and find themselves battling to avoid the wooden spoon in the final few games.

They are 3.00 to suffer most losses this season and could do with a result at Suncorp as Wests Tigers are breathing down their neck.

. What: Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 20:00 (AEST), Friday 23rd August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Brisbane Broncos 1.33, Parramatta Eels 3.25

Broncos target strong finish

Finals may be out of reach, but the Broncos will still be keen to finish the season on a high, so a win against the Eels is a must.

The Broncos bounced back from a demoralising loss to Gold Coast Titans by beating North Queensland Cowboys with ease.

They ran out 42-18 winners and will look to take that kind of form into the clash against Parramatta.

However they could have to do it without key trio Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Ezra Mam, who are all suffering with injuries.

Tristan Sailor will fill in at fullback as Walsh misses out with a wrist injury, while Selwyn Cobbo is expected to play on the wing.

Kotoni Staggs will also be a big danger for the Broncos after scoring five tries in the last five games.

Staggs can be backed at 13.00 to score the first try of the game, or 2.50 to score at anytime.

The Broncos won by 16 points when the two teams met back in May, and they can be backed at 6.00 to win this latest meeting by 16-20 points.

Eels must soldier on

Parramatta will have to see the season out without key players Mitch Moses and Junior Paulo as they battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

They still have enough quality to fight off the Wests Tigers, but the likes of skipper Clint Gutherson will have to step up to the plate.

Gutherson often leads by example, and he can be backed at 3.20 to grab a try at anytime.

Blaize Talagi remains bang in form with 11 tries in his past 12 games and the winger is 2.45 to add another at anytime in the game.

The Eels have been disappointing all season, particularly away from home, where they have lost nine out of 10 games.

It does not get much harder than a trip to Suncorp, even if the Broncos are out of sorts.

Parramatta can be backed at 4.50 to win the game by 1-12 points.