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Parramatta NRL return won't spook Broncos

3 minute read

Things haven't improved for Brisbane since a 58-0 NRL finals loss when they last visited Parramatta a year ago.

PAYNE HAAS.
PAYNE HAAS. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Brisbane will return to where it all started to go wrong in the NRL when they face Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium on Friday.

A record 58-0 finals loss to the Eels last season sparked a club-wide review.

Things haven't improved for the wounded NRL club, who have lost nine straight games as well as their head coach Anthony Seibold who oversaw that finals debacle almost exactly one year ago.

Interim coach Peter Gentle insists they won't be scarred by that experience when they return.

Indeed only six players remain from that loss, with five-eighth Tyson Gamble the latest fresh face to replace Brodie Croft after the No.6 copped a head knock at training this week.

"I don't think they will get spooked; they are quite confident, the young guys," Gentle said.

"Most of the young blokes didn't play in that game.

"It is new players, new circumstances and we are playing a different style .. I don't think there is any point looking back. We all know what happened.

"We have been looking forward to this game."

The Eels need a win to consolidate a top-four spot and answer the critics that have slowly piled on after heavy losses to Penrith and South Sydney in recent weeks.

"I appreciate all the media outlets bagging them before we play them, that is really helpful," Gentle said.

"They did have only 36 per cent possession last week (against Penrith) and defended really well, so on face value their performance wasn't as bad as it looks.

"They didn't get many opportunities to cross the line and we'd like to give them the same amount."

Gentle said Gamble, signed to the club for next season, would provide a physical presence in the middle and a creative kicking and passing game.

Ben Te'o will start in the front row with Rhys Kennedy suspended and Payne Haas allowed to leave the bubble on compassionate grounds.

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