Dyldam Parramatta Eels centre Beau Champion is looking forward to making his long awaited return to the NRL.
Champion has not featured since Round 2 of the 2014 season after he was ruled out through injury whilst playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs last year, and the centre is hopeful of making his return to the top grade this week.
“There is some really good young talent out here and it’s good to have a healthy competition for spots,” Champion said.
“Hopefully my name is read out and I get an opportunity this Friday night.”
Champion has adjusted well at the Eels and has been working hard during the season to ensure he will be ready if named in Brad Arthur’s 17-man squad for the season opener.
“I’ve been looking forward to it. It’s been a long time but I have fit in really well here at Parramatta and it is a great opportunity on Friday night,” said Champion.
“I just had to get back out onto the field and get some km’s into my legs but I think I have done that and I’ve settled in really well.”
“I am just trying to get some combinations with some of the halves here and also ‘Hoppa’ out the back”.
The Blue and Gold will kick off their season against rivals Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Champion is looking forward to the much anticipated clash.
“I walk through the offices everyday and I see the old photos of some of the club legends here. You hear some of the boys talk about it and we have a couple of ex-Manly players here as well going up against their old club so I am just thankful to be a part of it and really honoured to be playing for Parramatta,” said Champion.
“Manly are big rivals and I think with the squad that we have here, we have built well over the offseason. We are all ready for Friday night,”.
“It’s my first rivalry here, but I just look at it as another game as well. You can’t look too deep into the rivalry. It’s another clash, its another really tough game, it’s a game of NRL."
“I’m looking to just put my best foot forward and do the best I can for the boys.”
Tickets to the match are on sale and we encourage all Blue and Gold Members and fans to purchase them early so you don’t miss out on the Eels season opener. Tickets are also offered at a discounted rate when you pre-purchase! Buy your tickets now via Ticketmaster.
