The Parramatta Eels are preparing to play their first game from their temporary home on the Gold Coast as they continue their hunt for the 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership.
A team of 41 (including football staff) touched down via private charter on Wednesday at their new training and playing hub.
The Eels relocated to the Gold Coast, along with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors.
The other remaining teams are based in either in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
The Blue & Gold take on the Gold Coast Titans at 6:00pm at Cbus Super Stadium for Round 18.
Despite the disruption, Head Coach Brad Arthur says the team is just grateful to keep playing the game.
“We’re just very grateful as a Club and squad to continue to play,” Arthur said.
“In 14 days when we come out of lockdown, we should be able to live a reasonably normal life so we think we’re the lucky ones at the moment,” he said.
Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown acknowledged the sacrifice players and staff have made for the game, particularly those with young families.
“It’s a small sacrifice for the comp and for us to continue playing,” Brown said.
“I live in a house with a few of my mates and we’ve only done some puzzles and there’s only so much cooking (in lockdown) we can do until we get bored.
“But there’s some older boys who you know have a bit more responsibility, kids, so for them to come up with us is massive.
“For me, it’s tiny. I’ll miss my mum and my bed and that’s about it,” he said.
Jordan Rankin was unable to join the team on the Gold Coast due to family reasons, while Junior Paulo will be rested for tonight’s game after finishing up the State of Origin series with the NSW Blues on Wednesday.
Round 18 Coverage
Friday, July 16 – Titans vs Eels – Cbus Super Stadium 6pm AEST
Foxtel – Fox League (nationally)
Sky Sport 4 (New Zealand)
Kayo Sports
Radio: ABC, Triple M Sydney/Brisbane, NRL Nation (or via the Match Centre in NRL App or NRL.COM)
International Coverage
WatchNRL: Not available in Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Regions
TVWAN Action (Papua New Guinea)
Fox US
BeIN Sports (France)
Rogers Canada
Sport24 (Worldwide In-Flight/In-Ship – excl Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Regions)
