The Dyldam Parramatta Eels District Representative sides will be in action this weekend when they play their second trial of the pre-season against SWAS and Penrith Panthers (Saturday 23rd January) at Patrician Brothers Blacktown.
Blue and Gold fans are encouraged to attend this weekend with a great opportunity to see plenty of talented youngsters in action, with five different grades in action, at the same venue! Entry to the venue is free.
When: Saturday, January 23
Where: Patrician Brothers Blacktown
Times: 14’s Talent Squad v SWAS, 9.30am (Field 2)
15’s Talent Squad v SWAS, 11am (Field 2)
Harold Matthews v Penrith, 9am (Field 1)
SG Ball v Penrith, 11am (Field 1)
Senior Talent Squad v Penrith, 12.30pm (Field 1)
“The trial standard against Wests in December was high with a number of standout performances. The squads at that stage numbered around 40 each in the Harold Matthews and SG Ball, those squad numbers have since been trimmed. Due to the quality that has been on display both at training and on game day plenty of thought has already been put into succession planning and the selection process.” Coordinator Recruitment - Elite Programs Anthony Field said.
“Played at the Old Saleyards [the trial against the Magpies], the day saw a very good crowd attend to witness plenty of skill on display, this resulted in entertaining footy. The kids enjoyed the opportunity to play at the NRL training facility and were particularly pleased when the NRL squad finished their training and along with the NRL Coaching Staff they all watched the Juniors run around. ” Field added.
The District Representative sides will have their final trial of the pre-season against the Bulldogs next week, before their competition gets underway in the opening week of February 2016.
“Heading into the year, both sides will be competitive. They have been training well, we have introduced a strong emphasis on high physical performance standards, we will see the benefit of this come game day. The Coaches, Nathan Cayless (SG Ball) and Scott Jones (Harold Matthews) head up quality training, medical and assistant coaching staff all of whom have bought into the program, the kids are feeding of this and there is a good feel about the whole process,” Field said.
“This week we will make our final cut after the trial, before our final hit out against the Bulldogs before the competition gets underway in mid February”.
Click through to see the Eels District Representative squads for 2016 in SG Ball, coached by Nathan Cayless, and Harold Matthews Cup, coached by Scott Jones.