Eels pull off 'complete reversal' on shell-shocked Broncos

The Broncos’ winless streak will continue for at least another week, with the reigning premiers having lost to the Eels 40-32 to start the season 0-2.

Having lost 10 of his last 11 games against Parramatta prior to this match, coach Michael Maguire would have been hopeful of turning the tide on his poor record against the Eels.

And initially, the two-time NRL premiership coach looked set to turn the tide on his lacklustre win-loss record.

Following a strong start with the Broncos managing to complete all their sets and dominating possession throughout the first 25 minutes of the match, the hosts led 20-6 thanks to tries from Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas.

But despite maintaining their overall possession dominance, the Eels flipped the script in the final ten minutes of the first half.

Within the space of five minutes, Parramatta scored three tries, which saw them take the lead going into halftime and raised serious doubts about their opposition.

“They’re shellshocked, the Broncos,” Corey Parker told SEN’s Broncos Radio.

“They can’t believe where they are at this first half, leading the game and having full control. But all of a sudden (it’s changed).”

Coming out of the half, the match continued as it was, with Isaiah Iongi extending their lead to six points with a try.  

Brisbane did offer some fight back with Staggs and Walsh scoring their second tries to take the lead.

But that proved to be short-lived with Parramatta once again responding with tries from Sean Russell and the Broncos’ future halfback Jonah Pezet securing the Eels’ first win of the season.

“It’s been a complete reversal in the second half,” Parker noted in the final moments of the match.

“23 completed sets for the Parramatta Eels to the Broncos’ nine.”

And post-game, the 347-game Broncos’ legend noted a particular area of concern for Brisbane.

“The edge defence for the Broncos is concerning, really concerning,” he added post-game.

“Three tries in that six-minute period, went down Brisbane’s left edge, boy, you could have scored then Pottsy (Mark Braybrook).”

Their record is not the only concern following their loss with captain Adam Reynolds under an injury after Kitione Kautoga’s shoulder collided with his rib cage with six minutes left.

The halfback required the assistance of the medical trainer to get off the field.

With this loss, it’s the first time since the 2020 Sydney Roosters that a reigning premier has lost their first two games of the season.

The Broncos will now gear up for a Grand Final rematch against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on March 20.

The Eels play their first home game for the season at CommBank Stadium against the Dragons on the 22nd.