A depleted Brisbane has heaped more woe on struggling Parramatta, seeing off the Eels 16-12 in Friday night's National Rugby League clash at Parramatta Stadium.
A Matt Gillett try five minutes from time sealed the points for Anthony Griffin's side, who remain in fifth spot on the ladder despite being without six players due to State of Origin commitments.
Parramatta, who were deprived of New South Wales pair Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah, gave a debut to Reni Maitua, following his return from a two-year drugs ban.
Despite having not played since May 2009, the former Canterbury and Cronulla utility was the Eels' best attacking player in the first half, having been called into the side hours before the game to replace Jeff Robson who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
The defeat all but ends Parramatta's finals aspirations, with the Eels now 13th on the ladder five points adrift of the top eight and the boos that rang around the stadium at the sound of the final siren from the frustrated home crowd said it all.
The win lifts the Broncos to fifth behind the Cowboys on points differential.
