After managing just four points between them in Round 1 the Broncos and Eels are out for redemption when they meet at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

The premiers were held to zero by the Panthers and came up with 19 errors in an underwhelming start to their title defence.

The Eels scored first at AAMI Park and were then shut out for 75 minutes by a relentless Melbourne Storm outfit.

One of these sides will leave The Cauldron with two valuable competition points and a massive confidence boost while the other will be 0-2 and facing heavy scrutiny early in the season.

Much will depend on the strategic battle between playmakers Adam Reynolds and Mitch Moses while X-factors Reece Walsh and Isaiah Iongi will also have a big say in the outcome.

Team News

Broncos: Coach Michael Maguire has again named Ezra Mam to start at five-eighth with Ben Hunt in the No.14 but they may swap before kick-off as they did in Round 1. With back-rower Brendan Piakura still sidelined by a knee injury there are no changes for the premiers despite the demoralising defeat to the Panthers. Delouise Hoeter and Thomas Duffy dropped out of the squad when it was trimmed on Wednesday.

Eels: Centre Will Penisini has dropped out of the squad on Wednesday and been replaced by Jordan Samrani. A boost for the Eels with star winger Josh Addo-Carr (thumb) back on deck so Sean Russell moves to centre and Brian Kelly drops to the extended bench. Jack Williams slides to prop in place of the suspended J’maine Hopgood with Kelma Tuilagi joining the starting side. Sam Tuivaiti has again been named in No.15 and will be hoping for game time after a reshuffle last week saw Joash Papalii sent into the game when Isaiah Iongi left the field for a HIA.

Stat Attack

The Broncos have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
The Eels have defeated the Broncos in four of their last five clashes at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos winger Deine Mariner has scored four tries in three games against the Eels.
Eels captain Mitchell Moses has won seven of his last 10 games against the Broncos.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has scored a try in his last four games against the Eels.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.