The Broncos have been dealt a major blow with Adam Reynolds removed from the game in just the 12th minute, while the Eels scored four unanswered tries.
The Broncos had all the early possession, but when the Eels finally got into good field position, Maika Sivo crossed in the corner.
Two minutes later Reynolds was seen coming up the tunnel. Fox League’s Corey Parker later broke the big news that the skipper had failed his HIA.
The Eels scored three tries in ten minutes, only for the Broncos to give signs of life when Brenko Lee crossed in the corner. But the Eels struck again with another just before half-time.
Fox League’s Michael Ennis said the Broncos are “feeling totally flogged”.
“I think they’re getting shot, I think they’re in big trouble. I don’t really know how Kevvie Walters can get an answer – his season is on life support,” Ennis added.
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MINUTE 36
Shaun Lane slipped through a gap from a Dylan Brown ball before passing to Clint Guthson, who scored.
29th MINUTE
The Broncos finally got on the board after an Eels error. Dylan Brown threw a forward pass from the kickoff and gave the Broncos a golden opportunity. They scored in their first inning out of the mix.
MINUTE 26
And it was the Eels again as Mitchell Moses worked his magic on the short side. He converted to advance to 24-no.
Fox League’s Andrew Voss said “this could get bad,” while Greg Alexander said they were “red flags” for the Broncos.
18th MINUTE
The Eels extended their lead through skipper Clint Gutherson, who headed home an Isaiah Papali’i through ball.
16th MINUTE
Shaun Lane threw a cut pass to Maika Sivo, who chipped in for Tom Opacic to beat three defenders to score.
12th MINUTE
The Broncos’ most important player, Adam Reynolds, walked off the field and straight up the tunnel. Fox League reporter Corey Parker said it was an HIA, but wasn’t sure if he “believed it.”
10TH MINUTE
The Eels got on the board first thanks to an impressive team effort. Shaun Lane got an offload to Clint Gutherson, who threw the ball up for Junior Paulo to catch and pass to scorer Maika Sivo.
PREDICTION OF THE MATCH
A top eight spot is on the line for the Broncos when they host the Eels at Suncorp Stadium in a must-win clash.
The Broncos have dropped to eighth and are just two points ahead of the Raiders, who have an easy run at home and could sneak into the finals.
It’s an equally important game for the fifth-placed Eels, who still have a chance to secure a top-four finish.
Outside of the top eight, skipper Adam Reynolds is playing his 250th NRL game and will take on in-form Eels halfback Mitchell Moses in what Fox League’s Michael Ennis called a “fascinating battle”.
There is also a chance the Broncos will regain some pride in the jersey after last week’s humiliating 60-12 loss to the Storm.
However, they will have to do without star winger Selwyn Cobbo, who asked to be rested. Jordan Pereira will replace him on the wing.
Ryan James is also sidelined with a broken finger, with Cory Jensen promoted to the starting line-up and Keenan Palasia joining the bench, along with Zac Hosking in a swap with Rhys Kennedy.
In some welcome news, Origin second rower Kurt Capewell looks set to overcome an ankle injury to play.
Eels coach Brad Arthur made a late change to his side with Marata Niukore starting at lock and Ryan Matterson dropping to the bench.
TEAMS
Broncos: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 19. Jordan Pereira 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 16 Corey Jensen 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 21. Keenan Palasia 22. Zac Hosking. Substitute player: 18. Delouise Hoeter
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali ‘i 17. Marata Niukore 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Jakob Arthur 16. Oregon Kaufusi. Substitute Player: 20. Bryce Cartwright
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