Another blockbuster to cap of Friday Night Football, as the Broncos host the Eels at the Gabba. The Broncos, along with the Panthers, are the form teams of the NRL competition right now, and the Eels will have to be at their absolute best if they’re to get the better of the Broncos.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, supply our NRL betting tips, and suggest a Same Game Multi via Picklebet. Be sure to keep up to date with all the NRL fixtures, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
Also, make sure to check out Pickebet's ‘NRL First Try Scorer’ Special. Place a first try scorer bet on the Broncos vs Eels match and if your player scores the first or second try, you’ll get paid out as a winner! Head over to Picklebet for the full terms and conditions.
NRL Round 24 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels
The Gabba, Friday 11th August, 8:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Broncos continued their fine form, dispatching of the Cowboys 30-14 in Townsville, despite being without their halfback Adam Reynolds. The result was never in doubt, and it was a result that showed the disparity at this time of the season between the very best teams, and the teams just trying to make the finals. The tremendous Broncos’ goal-line defence was there for all to see, and they really do look like the only team that can stop a Panthers three-peat right now.
As for the Eels, they continued their lacklustre form, despite inching past the Dragons 26-20. The Eels were down 20-10 with just 20 minutes remaining, before running in three late tries to get the victory. At home against the Dragons though, it wasn’t the performance the Eels were looking for, and a loss this week could very well end their finals hopes for season 2023.
Match Preview
The Broncos opened 9.5-point favourites prior to the completion of round 23, with the number since bumping up to Broncos -10.5. With the likely return of Adam Reynolds, I don’t believe this number to be big enough. The Eels are spluttering home, and appear to be really struggling without Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Their run home is as tough as it gets, and I believe they won’t be able to keep it close with the rampaging Broncos in this one. I like the Broncos to cover the spread, but believe they’ll be good enough to win by the 13+ comfortably in this one.
A quick look at the total, which opened 46.5 and has remained steady at 46.5 through the week. My line is 46.5, and both teams are basically 50% overs/unders throughout the season. I see no value whatsoever in this total, so will steer clear.
The Eels have a decent recent record against the Broncos, winning 7 of the last 10, however the Broncos managed to get the better of the Eels in round 8 this season in Darwin, 26-16. The Eels were ill-disciplined, missing 46 tackles and making 12 errors. Sadly, the Eels haven’t fixed this part of their game, and the Broncos will make them pay and extend their winning streak to 6.
A final thought, the Eels have been horrible at covering spreads as underdogs this season, covering only 2 of 10 matches in which they were underdogs. They have struggled, particularly at the back end of this season, against the better sides, and their season ends on Friday night in my opinion.
Broncos -10.5
$2.00 (2.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Popular bookmaker Picklebet have launched their Same Game Multis for both the AFL and NRL. There are plenty of markets to choose from an excellent odds on offer, so make sure to check them out!
Broncos ML – See above, Broncos should win this comfortably.
Selwyn Cobbo (1+ try) – Cobbo has 16 tries this season, good for equal 7th most on the season. This week, he will take on the Eels’ left edge defence, which gave up 3 tries to Ravalawa last weekend. With Reynolds back, a Cobbo try is a huge chance.
Will Penisini (1+ try) – Penisini has 8 tries this season, as he looks to hit double digits for the second year in a row. Penisini will be taking on the Broncos left edge, which has conceded 28 (45%) tries this season. A good chance, which really boosts the odds of this Same Game Multi.
SGM Odds: $10.89 at Picklebet
