Once again the Parramatta Eels have proven too good against the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium, winning a thrilling match 22-18 in front an abysmal crowd of under 18000. With Channel 9's ludicrous decision to televise the game live into Brisbane to pander for the inferior Soccer world cup, the Broncos suffered one of their worst gates of the season in what is usually one of their showcase games. With 8 players backing up from State of Origin game 2 just 48 hours earlier, and four of them being forwards, the Broncos found themselves doing it tough against the Eels, who fielded just three of their Origin representatives.

The Broncos held on to a slender 6-4 lead until late in the first half when a poor kick on an early tackle from Darren Lockyer resulted in a try to Jason Moodie, giving the Eels a 10-6 half time lead. That proved the turning point as the Eels raced to a 22-6 lead after half time before a stirring fightback from the Broncos fell agonisingly short. Illdiscipline ultimately cost the Broncos a rare victory over the Eels.

Parramatta 22 defeated Brisbane 18 at ANZ Stadium, Brisbane