The Parramatta Eels take on traditional rivals the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles this afternoon in their opening clash of the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership.
Preview the game thanks to betting.club, Assistant Coach Steve Murphy says both the players and staff are excited to kick off the season against a quality opponent.
“Everyone is excited, staff included! It has been a long pre-season and the boys are just really keen to get out there in Round One,” Murphy said.
“We are pretty pleased leading into Round One. We have played pretty well, a lot of young guys have had opportunities in both the Nines and the trials. We are excited to see where we are at this week against a quality opponent.”
“It’s always a tough place to play, but we have played well there in the past and I can’t see any reason we won’t play well again there today.” Murphy added.
Blue and Gold Members and fans will see new recruits Josh Hoffman, Suaia Matagi , Nathan Brown and Frank Pritchard in action today, and Murphy said the new recruits would bring about a point of difference to the side.
“Hoffy is full of energy and enthusiasm and he will return the ball nice and strong out of the back field for us. He is a pleasure to have around the group and we are really looking forward to seeing a strong performance from him. “
“Matagi and Brown bring an energy and level of experience. ‘Tungs’ has played a few games and ‘Browny’ is a young man but has tasted a bit of First Grade, and they have slotted in really nicely in our forward pack. They have a bit of ball playing too so that should give us a point of difference.” He added.
“Frank you would never know that he has had so many pre seasons. He has come in with so much energy and so much enthusiasm and excitement for the place. We are really happy that we will get the chance to see him first hand in a Parramatta jersey this week.”
Kick off against the Sea Eagles at Lottoland is at 4pm.
