Forward Danny Wicks has this week received clearance from the National Rugby League for his one-year deal with the Dyldam Parramatta Eels.
Wicks joined the club for pre-season training in November, and has impressed on the training field, topping the team’s leaderboard in a number of strength and fitness metrics.
Eels CEO Scott Seward says the new recruit’s attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed at the Blue and Gold.
“Danny’s dedication over the last few months of training has been exceptional,” Seward said.
“He’s shown he’s prepared to work hard to earn his place at our club, and to work with us and the NRL throughout the process of managing his return to the game.”
“I’m very thankful for the NRL’s help and professionalism over the past few months to reach this outcome, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pushing for an opportunity in 2015.”
For Wicks, the pre-season started even earlier than his teammates as he put in his own tough training sessions before joining the Eels squad in November.
“I started a couple of weeks early to catch up,” Wicks said when he joined the Eels.
“But I’ve got faith in myself: this is the fittest I’ve been and I’m really excited. [This] might only be my second chance, but it’s my last and I’ll make something of it.”
“This is the opportunity I needed in my life.”
The 106kg forward says the opportunity to play under Head Coach Brad Arthur was an added incentive when it came to inking a deal with Parramatta.
“I’m at the point in my career where it’s nothing but straight down the line [and that’s what Brad is],” Wicks said.
“He’s a gentleman and I’ll play for him.”
To the fans, Wicks’ message is short and simple.
“Just give me an opportunity.”
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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.
