PRE-GAME Round 1 - Eels vs Broncos

[Unbreakable]

I just realised we might have the 3 best U20 Lock's in Australia on our roster..

Arrow, Pangai Jr, Hipgrave.. Lucky they're all pretty versatile and can probably play 2nd row if need be.

 

[broncoboy]

im loving all these depth signings by wayne bennet but i think we are going ot have to get rid of some of them because in the end we cant have 10 second rowers and three locks even with injuries our depth is massive

 

[rnabokov]

Ah, sometimes NRL.com makes me smile. I just looked at their predicted '16 teams lists and had the injured Reed and Maranta "asterisked" against Greg. Eden's wing spot.

It will be interesting to see what happens if Kahu kills it at left centre (which I think he will) and Eden on his wing (same again) when Reed and Maranta are due to return after injury.

Which way will Bennett go I wonder.

 

[Mitch06]

Let's just kill them. Strong tackles and break them through the middle, nice second phase play through Milford and Niko. The wait has been unbearable, best of luck to the lads!

 

[Rally Towel]

Broncos 30-16.
FTS Oates
MOM Milf Hunter

 

[mitch222]

Ah, sometimes NRL.com makes me smile. I just looked at their predicted '16 teams lists and had the injured Reed and Maranta "asterisked" against Greg. Eden's wing spot.

It will be interesting to see what happens if Kahu kills it at left centre (which I think he will) and Eden on his wing (same again) when Reed and Maranta are due to return after injury.

Which way will Bennett go I wonder.

Reed will slot straight back into centre no matter what happens.

 

[Harry Sack]

Broncos 30-16.
FTS Oates
MOM Milf Hunter

I will be getting on this a number of times this year I think.

 

[sus]

Broncos 30-16.
FTS Oates
MOM Milf Hunter

yeah well ill be getting on THIS on the reg too..

 

[broncsgoat]

I'm getting on Milf for Dally M...

 

[Big Pete]

We're gearing up for the start of another action-packed season and to kick us off we've got the Broncos and the Parramatta Eels.

The Broncos, last year's runners up came within seconds of premiership glory and while they had their hearts ripped out, they head into the season as overwhelming favourites boasting what many consider the most potent line-up in the competition.

On the other hand you've got Parramatta, a team that has threatened to break into the finals, only to fall at crunch time. This season they have undergone one of their best transformations since 2005 with the additions of International Test half Keiran Foran, International Test centre Michael Jennings, fiery backrow Beau Scott and the experienced Michael Gordon.

All eyes will be on the Eels new recruits so as a cross-comparison, who is likely to have the bigger game on Thursday - opposing centres James Roberts from the Brisbane Broncos and Michael Jennings from the Parramatta Eels.

BHQ, who do you think and why?

 

[Unbreakable]

Why are you typing like you're auditioning as a script writer for Sterlo? :lol:

To answer your question, I'd say Jennings will have a big one, I'm actually tipping the Eels, I feel like they always start really hot or really cold, this season has a hot feeling about it for them. Roberts looked very hesitant in the WCS, like he was almost scared to back himself and was looking for any opportunity to pass the ball. I'm sure he'll find the right balance of attack and safety throughout the season, but I get the feeling Jennings might teach him a lesson or two on Thursday night.

 

[sus]

We're gearing up for the start of another action-packed season and to kick us off we've got the Broncos and the Parramatta Eels.

The Broncos, last year's runners up came within seconds of premiership glory and while they had their hearts ripped out, they head into the season as overwhelming favourites boasting what many consider the most potent line-up in the competition.

On the other hand you've got Parramatta, a team that has threatened to break into the finals, only to fall at crunch time. This season they have undergone one of their best transformations since 2005 with the additions of International Test half Keiran Foran, International Test centre Michael Jennings, fiery backrow Beau Scott and the experienced Michael Gordon.

All eyes will be on the Eels new recruits so as a cross-comparison, who is likely to have the bigger game on Thursday - opposing centres James Roberts from the Brisbane Broncos and Michael Jennings from the Parramatta Eels.

BHQ, who do you think and why?

nice one BP!

yeah still undecided on this one. admittedly havent seen much of the Eels this year and not sure anything from the 9s count! granted we're in a better place than this time last year.. the whole year had a feel of over-achievement about it, just couldnt shake that our spine had a raw/untested feel about them. the challenge this year is justto maintain the rage i guess. the Bronx sure have some guns this year, but of course the way the team is coached the focus will always be about measured and controlled performances and building pressure etc (hopefully Milf and esp KNik push the boundaries there!!!!)

more than anything I'm worried about that cheap shot merchant having a crack at Hunt/Milf, hopefully they handle themselves OK. otherwise im shooting for a close 3 or 4 tries to 2 win to the visitors... they better FFS ill be in the crowd! where @ levikdan when you need him!!!

 

[FaithinHook]

Big Pete ,wow.just wow. Your first preview for the 2016 season is nothing short of completely impressive. If i was not already excited for Thursday nite , i very much am now! Out of interests, who would you be selecting for this match? I have yet to submit my selections posting for this week BHQ tipping competition an would very much appreciate your opinion on a selection for this match up. Thanking you in advance .

 

[rnabokov]

We're gearing up for the start of another action-packed season and to kick us off we've got the Broncos and the Parramatta Eels.

The Broncos, last year's runners up came within seconds of premiership glory and while they had their hearts ripped out, they head into the season as overwhelming favourites boasting what many consider the most potent line-up in the competition.

On the other hand you've got Parramatta, a team that has threatened to break into the finals, only to fall at crunch time. This season they have undergone one of their best transformations since 2005 with the additions of International Test half Keiran Foran, International Test centre Michael Jennings, fiery backrow Beau Scott and the experienced Michael Gordon.

All eyes will be on the Eels new recruits so as a cross-comparison, who is likely to have the bigger game on Thursday - opposing centres James Roberts from the Brisbane Broncos and Michael Jennings from the Parramatta Eels.

BHQ, who do you think and why?

Setting aside the bleeding obvious (defence, mistakes, brain explosions) I reckon this is less about any individual and more about the opportunities created for them by the halves, as well as offloading/support play

 

[Big Pete]

Why are you typing like you're auditioning as a script writer for Sterlo? :lol:

I was channeling ESPN's First Take, but I'll take Sterlo - thank you.

I have yet to submit my selections posting for this week BHQ tipping competition an would very much appreciate your opinion on a selection for this match up.

Let me begin by answering my own question and allow me to quote a fellow BHQ member.

Parramatta will win the battle, but they won't win the war.

When it comes to James Roberts, I believe fans need to be very patient with him. The transition from club player to a bonafide star takes time and does not happen overnight. I suspect certain sections of the media and some fans will expect the personnel to make him look like a star right off the bat like they did with Milford and as we all saw it took a few months for things to click into gear. To make matters worse, he's coming up against arguably the best centre/wing combination in Jennings and Radradra who will be the focal point of the Eels attack. If the Broncos are to win, they'll have to minimize the damage down that right edge.

And for the most part, I believe they will.

While a lot has been made about the Eels transformation, we all know it usually takes time for those changes to take effect. Usually the timing isn't there or the communication breaks down in defence and somebody loses faith in their outside men creating opportunities - y'know the usual. So while they'll have their work cut out for them, I believe the combination of Milford/Boyd will prove too lethal for the Eels and they'll blink more than the boys from Red Hill.

So Jennings to win his battle with Roberts, but not enough to make up for the rest of the team.

At least that's the way I see it going.

 

[Big Pete]

Setting aside the bleeding obvious (defence, mistakes, brain explosions) I reckon this is less about any individual and more about the opportunities created for them by the halves, as well as offloading/support play

So who's your pick?

 

[rnabokov]

So who's your pick?

Roberts will do more than Jennings because Hunt and Gillett will see he gets more opportunities. Then, there is Milford who I am sure will look for Roberts now and then during the game.

Milford and Roberts combining well will be lethal.

I also think Roberts does more with the ball than Jennings. In any case it will be a fascinating match up between 2 of the quickest players in the NRL.

Broncos by 12.

 

[Big Pete]

Always appreciate your insight rna.

Glad to have you on board for 2016.