The NRL action was back last week and Round 1 delivered further exciting contests following the event in Las Vegas. New teams and players were emerging, while others produced a similar standard to last season. Whether this was accounted for mattered little, as fans were left wanting more. Round 2 action begins on Thursday in Brisbane as the Broncos host the Eels. Both teams are coming off a loss and with the chance to get their season moving in the right direction, each will be desperate to make a statement in this contest. We bring you our preview and betting tips for the clash below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Bronocs vs Eels Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 2 2026
Reality Check for the Broncos
The Broncos were only the second team in NRL history to win the Premiership and be kept scoreless in the opening match of the season in their 26-0 loss to the Panthers at home. Trying hard, a minor share of possession (42%) and poor completion rate (61%) limited their ability to develop consistency. While those stats are within their control, credit must also go to their opponents for forcing them to play this way. Their usual power in the middle was absent also, averaging just 8.6m per carry and having 1 line break. When you also miss 37 tackles on defence, it doesn’t make for a great night. The hope is that this is a catalyst to ‘wake up’ a team who may be experiencing a ‘premiership hangover’.
Shock start contradicts their rebuild
A lot has been written about the improvements the Eels have been making. The end of 2025 suggested they were set to improve this season also. The first 10 minutes against the Storm was positive, then it came to a crashing halt, eventually defeated 52-4. With their opponents continually building pressure, some of the defensive efforts in the middle were poor. Ambushed and void on answers, it continued to spiral out of control. They weren’t helped by just 41% possession and a 63% completion rate; their defence allowing 13 line breaks and missing 38 tackles caused issues too. They must forget that effort if they’re a chance to perform well here.
Stats that matter
- The Broncos have won 4 of the past 5 matches against the Eels, with the average margin of victory being 15.6 points. That is skewed somewhat by a 44-point win, as 3 have been decided by 10 points or less.
- The average total points in that same period is 49.2 points, with the total twice being 42 points.
- The Broncos obviously enjoy a good record at home, having a 59% strike rate at this venue. The Eels win just 45% of matches here.
There is a reason why they’re the Premiers
As bad as the Broncos were last week, it would be surprising to see them produce a similar display. It seems that the project of starting Mam on the bench has been abandoned, with him named to start. It is interesting to see the role Hunt will play; they’re a stronger team with him at 9. The loss of Hopgood for the Eels isn’t off-set by the return of Addo-Carr either. They too should be improved, but it will take a monumental effort for them to change the expected course of this match. This game is the Broncos to lose, and should they perform like the 2025 Premiers, they will win this game comfortably.
Broncos 13+
$1.88 (1.5 units)
Broncos vs Eels Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 49.5 – Despite this being on the average, the point scoring ability of the Eels remains unknown. Given this, the total might not climb as high, regardless of how many points the home team scores.
Leg 2 = Mam to score – he has scored 3 tries in his past 4 matches against the Eels and will again be a threat with his running game and looming up in support on line breaks.
Leg 3 = Mariner to score – he has 4 tries in the past 3 games against the Eels and after getting minimal ball last week, will be a threat on the edge for his team.
Same Game Multi Odds: $15 at Neds
Broncos vs Eels Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 12th March
Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Time: 8pm (AEDT)
Odds: Broncos $1.25 vs Eels $4
Line: -13.5
Points: 49.5
Where to Watch Broncos vs Eels
Watch the Broncos vs Eels match live on Channel 9 as well as ad free on Kayo Sports.
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