The Brisbane Broncos will be out to remind everyone why they are the reigning premiers, when they welcome the Parramatta Eels to Suncorp Stadium to start NRL Round 2.

The question is, do they remember why they are the defending premiers? Based on their scoreless showing against Penrith last week, you’d have to say their memory is a little foggy.

In order to jog their collective memory, coach Michael Maguire has elected to start livewire stand-off Ezra Mam at No.6 with Ben Hunt back to the bench, although this could all be smoke and mirrors once again.

We doubt deceptive tactics are required to beat a Parramatta side who conceded over 50 last week, but hey, you can never be too careful right?

Can the Broncos return to winning ways here? Or will the Eels send a shockwave through the competition? Let’s find out.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Thursday night throwdown, check out our Broncos vs Eels tips and predictions below.

Broncos vs Eels Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

NRL Round 2 opens up with two badly beaten battalions squaring off at Suncorp Stadium.

Reigning champions Brisbane were bageled in their own backyard by the Panthers, as their premiership defence got off to the worst possible start.

However, that 26-0 horror show was well and truly one-upped by their opponents this week.

Parramatta were torn limb from limb down in Melbourne by a particularly ruthless Storm side. Craig Bellamy’s chargers running out 52-4 winners, in yet another first round masterclass.

This leaves the Eels running straight to the drawing board after just 80 minutes of action and potentially out of the premiership picture altogether.

That’s right, no team who has conceded 50 or more points in a regular season match, has ever gone on to lift the Provan-Summons Trophy that year.

As awful as the beaten Broncos were last start, we simply can’t see them losing back-to-back home games to start their quest for back-to-back titles. Particularly against an Eels side already this deep down in the doldrums.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos.

First Try Scorer Prediction

A bit of a left-field one here, but believe it or not, veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, doesn’t mind a try against the Eels.

In fact, has scored a try in each of his last four appearances against Parramatta, making him a very interesting value proposition for first try scorer here.

Betting tip: Adam Reynolds.

Over/Under Prediction

Four of Brisbane's last five matches as a favourite have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (48.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Parramatta have covered the line in each of their last six matches against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

Betting tip: Parramatta Eels (+12.5) line.

Broncos vs Eels Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Josh Addo-Carr

Josh Addo-Carr has scored at least one try in each of his eight previous away appearances against Brisbane.

Kotoni Staggs

Kotoni Staggs has scored at least one try in four of Brisbane's last five matches as a favourite.

Sean Russell

In five of Brisbane's last six home matches, the opposition's starting left centre has scored at least one try.

Bailey Simonsson

In five of Parramatta's last six matches at Suncorp Stadium, their starting right winger has scored at least one try.

Broncos vs Eels Teams

Brisbane Broncos Team List

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds (c)

8. Corey Jensen

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Jack Gosiewski

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Ben Hunt

15. Xavier Willison

16. Ben Talty

17. Aublix Tawha

18. Grant Anderson

Parramatta Eels Team List

1. Isaiah Iongi 

2. Bailey Simonsson

3. Will Penisini

4. Sean Russell  Brian Kelly

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Jonah Pezet

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Jack Williams

9. Ryley Smith

10. Junior Paulo

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack de Belin

14. Dylan Walker

15. Sam Tuivaiti

16. Matt Dorey

17. Tallyn Da Silva

18. Charlie Guymer

Broncos vs Eels Match Details

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.