The Parramatta Eels are preparing to take on the Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium on Friday 11 August in Round 23 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, where Blue & Gold co-captain Tim Mannah will celebrate his 200th NRL game.
Fellow forward Suaia Matagi says it will be a real honour to run out alongside the selfless skipper.
“Tim, to put one word to him, would be selfless. He always puts the team first, so this Friday, to get a good crowd and play for him, it will be an honour to join the field with him,” Matagi said.
“He has been a standout and one player that I wanted to play alongside.” Matagi added when asked of how Mannah rates against the other captain’s Matagi has played with.
“I am really honoured to do that, but also get to start alongside him, it has been good.”
The Eels have won their past six games heading into this week’s clash, and Matagi says there is a real positive vibe around the Blue & Gold the last few weeks.
And the forward is hoping the fans turn out to cheer on the side this week.
“It’s been really good, really positive and the last two weeks have been really good for us. We are just looking to improve this week against the Newcastle Knights,” Matagi said.
“Hopefully everything works out well and we get a good crowd.”
“It’s Timmy’s 200th game as well. He is a Club legend and it will be good to get a big crowd there to help us get over the line on Friday night.” He added.
“The more support we can get, the better we are going to charge home. Hopefully we can get this win this week.”
“It’s definitely a good feeling. I would rather six in a row than six losses!” Matagi said when asked of the feeling around the side following their past six victories.
“But we are just taking one week at a time and improving week at a time.”
