The opening game of this year’s National Rugby League competition takes place at Pirtek Stadium on Thursday night where the Eels host Brisbane. Parramatta will showcase star recruits Kieran Foran, Michael Jennings and veteran Michael Gordon in their first outing. Brisbane are set to unleash James Roberts in a side likely to be similar to last year’s Grand Final losing side, with the return of Josh Maguire from injury and Greg Eden to replace Lachlan Maranta who’s out injured.
LAST TIME OUT
Parramatta had a perfect start to 2016 winning the third annual NRL Nines in Auckland. A victory over local rivals Penrith Panthers 22-8 a fortnight ago will provide plenty of confidence for the western Sydney club going into round 1.
Brisbane struggled at the Nines tournament in Auckland. Their main focus was on last month’s World Club Championship at DW Stadium against Wigan where Kodi Nikorima starred in a 42-12 win.
KEY BATTLES
With Kieran Foran partnering Corey Norman in the halves, Parramatta have for the first time in many years a pairing that will match it with the best of sides. There’s no doubt the battle with Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford will go a long way to determining who wins.
Another battle worthwhile noting is Michael Jennings taking head on James Roberts. The experience of Jennings is nullified by Roberts’ raw speed. The Eels may try to expose the ex-Titan’s defence out wide with Semi Radradra running at him all night.
PREDICTION
As with most games early on in the season, expect a tough slog with handling errors and rule interpretations taking the spotlight. With a pro-Eels crowd expected at Pirtek and combined with a strong recruitment drive in the off-season, there will be plenty of pressure on the home side to win this one.
That’s where a calm and collected Broncos could shine through the leadership of Corey Parker and Wayne Bennett’s mentoring. They are used to coming to Sydney and having an anti-Broncos atmosphere at the ground. I can’t see them repeating their opening round 1 hiding of 6-36 that South Sydney handed them at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane by 4
SQUADS
Eels: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Semi Radradra 3 Michael Jennings 4 Brad Takairangi 5 Clint Gutherson 6 Corey Norman 7 Kieran Foran (c) 8 Junior Paulo 9 Nathan Peats 10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 Beau Scott 13 Tepai Moeroa Interchange 14 David Gower 15 Peni Terepo 16 Daniel Alvaro 17 Ken Edwards 18 Kaysa Pritchard
Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Jordan Kahu 4 James Roberts 5 Greg Eden 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c) Interchange 14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Sam Thaiday 16 Joe Ofahengaue 17 Kodi Nikorima
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall
