Brisbane blow it at Suncorp as Pezet shines, pressure mounts on Madge

The Broncos have begun the season with back to back losses after blowing a first half lead while Parramatta playmaker - and 2027 Brisbane recruit - Jonah Pezet ran riot at Suncorp.

Parramatta produced a stunning second-half surge to overturn a 20–6 deficit and defeat Brisbane 40–32 in a dramatic Round 2 clash, with young five-eighth Jonah Pezet at the centre of the comeback.

After dominating field position and possession in the early stages Brisbane raced out to a 20-6 lead with 15 minutes to go in the first half.

A Pezet grubber close to the line sparked Parramatta's comeback and the side would go on to score 20 unanswered points, wrangling the lead back to 26-20 in the early stages of the second half.

Pezet finished with two line break assists, four try assists and a coffin-nailing try of his own in a standout display that turned the match on its head.

Despite the eye-catching performance, Eels coach Jason Ryles was careful not to heap too much praise on the young playmaker, stressing there was still plenty of development ahead.

“Jonah is a work in progress and we knew that he was when he came to the club,” Ryles said post-match.

“What was it? Four try assists, but there are some other parts of his game that we need to work on and he’s really aware of that.

“So whilst that is really pleasing for him, he has also got some areas of his game that we want to keep working hard on, so we will just keep working hard with him.”

Pezet was also strong in defence, making 12 tackles and missed just two, including a crucial try-saving effort on Jordan Riki.

Having joined Parramatta on a one-year deal for 2026, Pezet will link with the Broncos on a three-year contract from 2027. Ryles insists the Eels will be continuing to develop the rising star.

“He is 20 games into his career and we are really aware of that,” Ryles said.

“We are happy with where he is at, but like every player in our squad and even Mitchell (Moses) he has got things to work on.”

After a week in which Michael Maguire saw a consistent barrage of negative commentary around his coaching approach, this is a loss that will only compound the pressure.

The Broncos were far from the side that won the 2025 premiership, giving away eight penalties to the Eels' three as well as four set restarts and a completion rate under 65 per cent.

"We got the start we were after, Maguire said post match.

"We just didn't stay mentally tough through that period and they capitalised. From three penalties I think it was three tries, so we need to be way better in that area.

“I’ll have a look at the performance. That’s what you do as a coach. I’ll go back and watch the tape.

“We performed for 20 minutes, we performed pretty well, but it takes 80 minutes to win a game of footy.

“So I’ll be having a look at each player in the squad.”

The defeat was compounded by an injury concern for veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, leaving Maguire with several questions to answer heading into next week.

"It's alright, a little bit sore, a bit of ice on it," Renoylds said.

"I'll see the staff on the weekend."

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