Self Destructing Eels Fall
by
Friday April 25, 2003

The Brisbane Broncos have arrested their two-game losing streak with a gruelling 20-14 win over arch rivals Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium - the third time in a row the Broncos have come out victorious against them. But the Broncos job was made that much easier with a bizarre string of injuries suffered by Parramatta either in clashes with teammates, or accidental clashes with Bronco attackers.

Halfback Paul Green was the worst sufferer, cracking his cheekbone on the knee of Brisbane lock Tonie Carroll midway through the first half.  Green cut a forlorn figure on the bench during a tense second half.

John Morris, Kyle Leuluai and Lee Hopkins all spent time concussed during the contest also, Leuluai suffering an accidental elbow from a teammate.

The match hung in the balance from the outset, with the score locked at 8-all at half time and 14-all with five minutes remaining.  Fullback Darren Lockyer took control of the situation, setting up Michael De Vere for his second, score-levelling try with 15 minutes to go, and chiming in with the matchwinner as the clock ticked down towards the NRL's prized first Golden Point decider.

Lockyer has been hampered with a niggling injury over the past month, but that looked a thing of the past as he took control of this match, ably assisted by Ben Ikin, prop Shane Webcke and captain Gorden Tallis, who all had strong matches.

Brent Tate's star continues to rise also, with the Test centre staking his claims to remain in the position with another strong display in both attack and defence.  Tate looked likely to break the line with every touch, and his try to open the scoring - the third time he has been the Broncos' first try scorer this season - was a perfect example of his blistering acceleration.

Tallis and Webcke's form will also have some fans and critics breathing easier. The forward enforcers have come under plenty of criticism throughout the season but in the absence of Petero Civoniceva and Andrew Gee, the two gave the side some much needed forward muscle.  Civoniceva's return from suspension next week only increases the anxiety for their next opponents - Wests Tigers.

For the Eels it was another heartbreaking defeat which, save for the bounce of the ball and some better options, could so easily have been a win.  They now languish in 11th spot with just two wins from seven games and are almost out of the running for a top 4 spot at this early stage of the season.