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Dyldam Parramatta Eels centre Beau Champion is new to the Blue and Gold in 2015, however the 27 year old has settled in at home at his new club.

The centre joins a talented backline including players in Will Hopoate, Reece Robinson, Brad Takairangi, Ryan Morgan and Semi Radradra and Champion will be looking to contribute to the Eels in a big way this season.

“I have really enjoyed it,” Champion said.

“The players have been great and the coaching staff have been great and I really feel at home here so hopefully I can have a really big season and give back and contribute this year for Parramatta.”

Champion joins the Eels with 105 games under his belt and the centre is an important addition to the Eels, bringing plenty of experience and maturity to a relatively young squad.

“I wouldn’t see it as pressure. I just feel it as an opportunity to get these young kids to learn because we have so much talent here, especially the young kids, and being a bit more of an experienced player I feel it is my obligation to let the players know what the players are doing right and wrong.”

“I have always done that, even from a young age, so it has been a great transition here and all the young players have come on board and taken on what a lot of the older players and experienced players here have said.”

Champion, who is one of a handful of new recruits to the Blue and Gold, has been impressed by the impact new squad members Anthony Watmough and Richie Fa’aoso have had on the squad.

“They have a lot of experience, good football knowledge but I think their competitiveness and their willingness to train has rubbed off onto the younger players that you really have to work hard,” Champion said.

“Also, their knowledge of the game, by helping players on smaller areas and off the field aswell by chatting to the younger players” he said.

“I think a lot players getting to hang around guys like Anthony Watmough and his experience, especially the younger forwards, are going to take a lot of confidence from him and learn from him as they start the season” he added.

With the 2015 Auckland Nines just a week away, Champion is looking forward to hopefully returning to New Zealand to take part in the two-day tournament.

“The Auckland Nines was a fantastic experience. We didn’t know what to expect going over there last year but it was an awesome three days” Champion said.

“I think it is a great opportunity for young players to put their talent on show and a good opportunity for the fans out there to see our young talent but also what our higher profile players can do as well.”

Champion is quietly confident that Eels Members and fans will see the team have a strong tournament and give the competition a real good shake.

“It is a different concept, basically based around attack, so you are going to see plenty of tries and the attack has been great here throughout the pre-season so I’m pretty sure you can expect a lot of tries from the Parra boys.”

“We have probably one of the most exciting teams, especially going into the Nines. We have great creative halves and some speed in the backs so I am looking forward to it and I’m excited!”

Acknowledgement of Country

Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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