Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Isaac De Gois is preparing to take the field this Friday night when the Eels kick off their season against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Pirtek Stadium this Friday night (6 March 2015).
De Gois, who signed with the Eels half way through the 2014 season, filling the hooker role which was vacated by an injured Nathan Peats from Round 14, is expecting to share the hooker duties in Round One after strong form shown by both number 9’s during the Eels pre-season trials.
“Obviously my role will be a bit different from last year where I was playing a full game,” said De Gois.
“As far as how much game time I will have, that is something you are going to have to ask Brad but he said to me when I get on or whether I start, whatever your role is, do what I know you can do,” he added.
The 30 year old veteran has completed his first pre-season with the Blue and Gold and is solely focused on his own performance this Friday night.
“The preseason has been good, and we started it going to Seattle which was nice and then coming back, the boys have been training hard, as has every other team, but we are just looking forward to a game of footy,” De Gois said.
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De Gois is ready for the challenge of going head to head with Manly hooker Matt Ballin, a figure he has looked up to during his 186 game career.
“Matt Ballin is a great player and someone I have followed throughout my career” De Gois said.
“He is very tough and that’s why he has been in the game so long. He is consistent and always plays to the best of his ability and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The Eels will be looking to kick off their 2015 campaign with a victory, and De Gois is ready for the challenge of taking on a strong Manly outfit.
“I think any game will be tough at this time, and Manly especially,” De Gois said.
“They have a great forward pack and world class backs so we are looking forward to a real good challenge”
