The Broncos continue to set a hot pace at the top of the table and they get the opportunity to test themselves against one of the heavyweights in Darwin on Friday night.
With Dally M leaders Reece Walsh and Payne Haas in rare form and Adam Reynolds marshalling his troops magnificently, the Broncos boast a 6-1 record on the back of the NRL's slickest attack.
The Eels, meanwhile, look to be hitting top gear on the back of wins over Wests Tigers and Bulldogs but Brad Arthur is well aware a much sterner test awaits in the shape of the Broncos.
When the Eels travelled to Darwin in Round 8 last year they found themselves on the end of 35-4 hammering from North Queensland but back in 2021 they put 46 points on Brisbane at TIO Stadium with Maika Sivo running in a hat-trick so that's the formline Parra fans will choose to follow.
Sivo's double against the Bulldogs on Sunday took him to nine tries for the season, one more than Rabbitoh Campbell Graham and Dolphins duo Jamayne Isaako and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The Broncos are getting input across the park with centre Kotoni Staggs scoring six tries, winger Selwyn Cobbo five and no fewer than five others all boasting four tries in 2023, including Walsh and Ezra Mam.
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Team News
Eels: A late change for the Eels with Bailey Simonsson coming into the backline at the expense of Haze Dunster. Simonsson is listed in the centres with Sean Russell remaining on the wing but look for a possible switch. Hooker Josh Hodgson is a confirmed starter after missing Sunday's game against the Bulldogs due to illness. Brendan Hands goes back to the bench and Makahesi Makatoa drops out. Jakob Arthur is 18th man.
Broncos: There are no late changes from Kevin Walters. Prop Thomas Flegler (concussion) and winger Corey Oates (jaw) are good to go so Corey Jensen moves to the bench, Keenan Palasia to the reserves and Jesse Arthars to 18th man. Oates hasn't played since breaking his jaw in Round 2 against the Cowboys.
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Stat Attack
- The Eels have won six of their past seven games against the Broncos.
- Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki has scored four tries in his past three games.
- The Eels have won six of their eight games played in Darwin.
- The Broncos lost their only previous game in Darwin by 40 points (v Eels in 2021).
- Eels second-rower Shaun Lane will play his 150th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .