Losses in eight of their past nine matches have left the Eels in a dogfight to avoid their first wooden spoon since 2018 while last year’s grand finalists Brisbane have also endured a trying season.

Entering 2024 with huge expectations on the back of their epic run to the grand final, the Broncos lost to the Ropsters, Panthers and Storm inside the first five rounds and have struggled for consistency all season.

With big guns Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Ezra Mam all suffering injuries in recent weeks, the task of restoring some pride in the final rounds has become a whole lot tougher for Kevin Walters’ men.

In front of their home fans at Suncorp Stadium they will be expected to get the job done against an Eels side missing star halfback Mitch Moses and forward leader Junior Paulo with long-term injuries.

Inspirational skipper Clint Gutherson will again look to lift his troops as they chase a sixth win of the season to keep last-placed Wests Tigers at bay.

Why Tristan Sailor will replace Reece Walsh for the Broncos

Sailor was impressive in his brief cameos at the back last campaign with the side winning three of the four matches he featured in.

The lively No.1 provided six try assists in 2023, while registering 147 running metres per match as he generally provided a spark for the Broncos.

“Tristan is a very classy player and fits in really well,” Jesse Arthars said ahead of Brisbane’s clash with the Cowboys.

“Reece is obviously our main number one, but Tristan does an excellent job when Reece is not available.

“We are expecting his best and I am excited for him to get a crack this early in the season.”

The Brisbane winger revealed Walsh and Sailor often worked together to help improve each other’s games with the latter constantly impressing in reserve grade.