Broncos weary of lost Eels
It was about this time last year that Parramatta beat Brisbane before unleashing their stunning charge to the 2009 grand final.
Before beating Brisbane 21-14 at Parramatta Stadium in round 16, the Eels had managed just two wins and a draw from their previous 10 NRL games.
But after upsetting Brisbane they won 10 of their next 13 games before losing the grand final 23-16 to Melbourne, who have since been stripped of their premiership win for cheating the salary cap.
The timing of Parramatta's revival has not been lost on Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak, who's keen to avoid back-to-back losses at such a crucial stage of the season against a side who, while they seem to have lost their way, are still very dangerous.
"We've seen games against Manly, I think at Brookvale and the Storm where they had two very good wins, mixed in with some ordinary performances," Henjak said.
"On their day they're as good as anyone.
"They're the second-best defensive team in the competition and that makes it difficult because you know you're not going to score a lot of points and that they'll pull you into a grind.
"They've also got some guys who can turn footy matches like Jarryd Hayne and their halves, Daniel Mortimer and Feleti Mateo who can do some special things.
"If they're on their game they're going to be a very difficult proposition."
Hayne's recent lack of individual impact also has Henjak a little worried that he may just have a breakout game so close to Origin selection.
"He probably hasn't scored the tries or made the line breaks he did the previous year but he certainly is setting up some tries," he said.
"Just his presence on the field gives them confidence but he also makes the opposition a little nervous and that releases other players.
"The challenge for us tomorrow is to make sure he doesn't get any opportunities."
Skipper Darren Lockyer meanwhile will eclipse the one-club record of Cronulla favourite Andrew Ettingshausen when he plays his 329th game for Brisbane at Parramatta Stadium.
Lockyer made his NRL debut against Parramatta at the same ground on June 25 1995.
The blond-haired 18-year-old came off the bench with Brisbane down 14-6 to celebrate a memorable debut as the Broncos piled on 54 unanswered points to win 60-14.
Brisbane have made only one forced change with utility Matt Gillett, who signed a new three-year deal during the week, replacing Alex Glenn (ankle) at left centre.
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.