James Roberts' Origin hopes are in doubt after the speedster aggravated an existing Achilles problem in Brisbane's uninspiring 18-10 win over Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
Despite a confident start from the last-placed Eels, it was the Broncos posted first points after a flying Jamayne Isaako fielded a Kodi Nikorima bomb and planted the ball down in the 10th minute.
Parramatta's chances quickly deteriorated when Michael Jennings was sin-binned for interfering with a quick tap after a Brisbane penalty and the Broncos took full advantage when Corey Oates went over out wide to extend their lead to 12. Jennings looked to have redeemed himself in the 25th minute when he sliced over only for Joe Ofahengaue to force the ball out in the attempt at tackle.
With little going their way, the Eels opted to take the two points just shy of the break, with the Broncos taking a 12-2 lead into the sheds.
Brisbane asserted their dominance early in the second half when Roberts dived over in the corner after Jaydn Su'a broke through the Parramatta defence and found the speedster backing up in support. A Parramatta mistake within their own half in the 52nd minute presented the Broncos with a perfect chance to put the Eels away.
However, Anthony Milford could not find his outside men and instead George Jennings snatched the five-eight's cut-out pass to sprint away for Parramatta's first try of the night.
A penalty goal in the 64th minute saw the Eels reduce the deficit to just six but a later penalty conceded by Brad Arthur's men effectively undermined that decision as Brisbane skipped out to an eight-point lead.
Despite showing promise, the Eels could not fight back and slumped to their 10th loss of the year as they fell to Brisbane 18-10. With the win the Broncos temporarily move back into the Top Eight.
Next week, the Broncos can rest their feet up as they enjoy a bye while Parramatta host the struggling Knights on Saturday night.