Broncos defy horror start in comeback win over Eels to keep slim finals hopes alive
The Broncos have kept their finals hopes alive with a 30-24 win over the Eels at Suncorp Stadium.
With the result, the Broncos are one win outside the top eight — two points behind the Dragons who are eighth but have three games to play.
The Eels shot out to an early 16-0 lead, shocking the home side, before being reeled in.
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Adam Reynolds celebrates scoring a try during the round 25 NRL match between between the Brisbane Broncos and the Parramatta Eels. Matt Roberts via Getty Images
Hours before the match, electricity issues prevented the 40,000-strong crowd from entering as scheduled.
In the opening set, Parramatta marched its way up the ground before a kick forced an error, awarding a new set.
Making no mistake, Will Penisini sliced through a hole to score the game's first try.
Four minutes later, the Eels went back to back after the visitors fought to keep the ball in play on the last tackle before Clint Gutherson put in a grubber close to the line.
Both Brendan Hands and Joe Ofahengaue went after the Steeden with the latter getting it down.
The Eels then added their third in eight minutes as Maika Sivo charged over.
Tristan Sailor thought he had scored the Broncos' first but was held up by Sivo with a try-saving tackle — the act did however attract a penalty.
But four minutes later, Sailor earned his try after shrugging off Blaize Talagi at the halfway line before scoring.
Building some momentum, the Broncos were in again as Josh Rogers dummied before sidestepping his opposite number Dylan Brown.
On the eve of half time, Deine Mariner thought he had scored Brisbane's third but was quickly denied by the Bunker.
At the main break, the Eels clung to a 16-12 lead.
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Gutherson added two points following a penalty to Brendan Piakura for putting pressure on the kicker.
Setting up a simple overlap, Selwyn Cobbo crossed over — the conversion from Adam Reynolds locking up the score at 18-all.
Kicking into gear, the Broncos soon boasted consecutive tries as Reynolds picked off a pass to score under the posts before setting up Kotoni Staggs with a grubber.
The Eels fought back through Shaun Lane to set up a grandstand finish but it was not enough as the visitors fell a converted try short.
As a result, Parramatta are at risk of claiming the competition's wooden spoon. The side is equal with the Wests Tigers on 16 points.
Kobe Hetherington was ruled out of the match just before half time after failing a HIA. He will miss the Broncos' next match against the Dolphins.
