Dyldam Parramatta Eels captain Tim Mannah will lead the Blue and Gold out onto Pirtek Stadium on Friday night for their 2015 campaign season opener against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
When the Blue and Gold take the field this Friday night, they will be tested against a Manly side that has been one of the competitions benchmark over the past few years, however Mannah is not focused on who they will face on Friday.
“I think Manly definitely set the standard of where good teams are at over the last few years so its going to be a real good test for us, but to be honest, for us we have been preparing really hard all off season,” said Mannah.
“It’s a chance for us to play round one and it doesn’t matter who we are playing, we just want to play some footy,” he added.
Round One Team List
Whilst there has been plenty of media hype around the clash, Mannah is focused purely on what the Eels can control.
“There has been a small majority of that chat (rivalry and ex-Manly players playing for Parramatta) going on but the majority of us just want to get on with it,” Mannah said.
“We just want to prepare the best we can this week and when it comes time to play footy we want to be at our best.”
“It’s about what we can control, and that’s training today or what happens out there on Friday night. I think if you get stuck in the trap of looking too far ahead, your not effective at being the best right now” Mannah added.
With the clash expected to draw a large and vocal Blue and Gold Army to Pirtek Stadium on Friday night, Mannah was looking forward to returning back to action in front of a patriotic crowd.
“We are hearing its going to be a really good crowd, hopefully we get a sell out, and the boys really love playing at Pirtek Stadium,” Mannah said.
“We are really hoping to get a good crowd and create a really good atmosphere and hopefully they can get us home.”
Click here to view Tim Mannah’s Captaincy Appointment Interview
Mannah was announced as the Blue and Gold captain for 2015 earlier in the week and the 27 year old was honoured to be given the role for a third season.
“Being able to be a part of this club, it’s a huge honour and its something I am really grateful to have the honour of doing, but for me, and all the other leaders, we have a great group of senior players this year and they are all contributing to helping the young guys develop,” Mannah said.
“I am really fortunate to have some good guys around me and it definitely makes it a lot easier for me to have the senior players and leaders in this team”
“I am happy and honoured to lead this team because I really believe in the direction we are headed.”
Tickets
Ticket sales have been strong for this game, so we encourage all General Admission Eels Members, and all GA ticket holders to arrive early to ensure entry. Pirtek Stadium is subject to capacity restrictions and Members and fans may be unable to enter once the ground reaches its legal capacity.
There are still reserved seat tickets available via Ticketmaster, and General Admission Members can choose to upgrade to a reserved seat for the game from just $10.
For Members who have not yet received their Membership card, there will be Membership Services team located at Gates A/B and G/H from 4.15pm to help you on the night.
