Broncos learn from Eels errors

THE Broncos will get a good gauge of just how far they have come defensively in the past month when they host the Eels on Thursday night.

Parramatta was the last team to defeat Brisbane, in round 21, recording a 28-14 victory at ANZ Stadium.

The Broncos have responded with three successive wins while keeping their opponents – Titans, Sharks and Dragons – to just 22 points.

Brisbane enforcer Josh McGuire said “it was definitely a lesson that we had to have at the right time of year”.

“We needed to be better and I thought our attitude towards defence has been better in the last three weeks,” he said.

Hooker Andrew McCullough went down with a season-ending knee injury in that game against the Eels. But, now sitting second behind the Storm, the Broncos regrouped superbly.

“Everyone’s doing their job in the middle of the park. Sammy (Thaiday) moving into the middle has helped us ... having that extra big body giving us a hand early in the game to slow the ruck down a bit,” McGuire said.

Forward Tevita Pangai Junior (hamstring) isn’t expected to play, but the Broncos are hopeful Jai Arrow (elbow) and Jordan Kahu (groin) will run out.

Kodi Nikorima faces a crucial halves battle with ex-Bronco Corey Norman.

The Broncos have won all 10 games with Nikorima starting at halfback this season.

But coach Wayne Bennett admitted the Kiwi was “off the pace” in last week’s win against St George, failing to break a line.

“I don’t think he was off the boil, I just think that Milly (Anthony Milford) was on fire and you can’t have everyone firing at once I guess,” McGuire said.

Eels back-rower Manu Ma’u has accepted a one-match ban for a shoulder charge on Gold Coast’s Ashley Taylor.