An action packed opening four rounds, a renewed focus on free-to-air TV blockbusters and a reduction in Monday night fixtures are among the key highlights of the Sea Eagles 2014 Telstra premiership draw.
Sea Eagles members and fans are once again able to plan their season in advance as the NRL announced dates, times and venues in a season set to kick off on Thursday, March 6.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will draw their attention to archrivals Melbourne, with the team set to host the Storm and a returning fan favourite, George Rose, in round one at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.
A chance at redemption will arrive in round four, when premiers Sydney Roosters do battle against the Sea Eagles in the grand final rematch on Friday, March 28 at Allianz Stadium.
Click here to SIGN UP as a Sea Eagles Member to help make us STRONGER TOGETHER in 2014
"Matching up against three of last years top four and one of your oldest rivals (Parramatta) within the first four rounds is very appealing," Sea Eagles CEO David Perry said.
"Add to this, that three of these games are home matches and the other is a grand final rematch just over the bridge - it's a superb opportunity for all Sea Eagles members and supporters to help get the team off to a flying start in 2014."
"The process is far from perfect for anyone, but we're pleased with the outcome and very much looking forward to the season kicking off at Brookvale on March 8."
Monday night football occupied a large portion of the Sea Eagles 2013 season, but with Fox Sports making Saturday night their priority time slot, last years grand finalists are fixed to play just two Monday night matches in the opening 20 rounds of 2014, compared with seven last season.
The Sea Eagles will showcase seven Friday night free-to-air matches, three Saturday evening games, six afternoon games on Sunday and just two on the Monday night.
The club will again move two home games away from Brookvale, with the Central Coast staging the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs showdown in round two on Friday night.
The club is continuing discussion with the NRL to play a revolutionary game in China against the Canberra Raiders, however is also looking at alternative venues should the match fail to materialise.
Heritage Round will feature in round five, with the NRL also declaring round 10 as Women in League Round, Close the Gap Round (rd 23), Sea Eagles Members Recognition Round (rd 25) and the Glory Bound rounds in the lead up to the finals.
Ensuring that members can plan around when their team is playing has remained a key priority, NRL Head of Football, Mr Todd Greenberg, said today.
This is a draw that has been built around fans and building major events in major stadiums while retaining traditional venues.
Sea Eagles members and fans are once again able to plan their season in advance as the NRL announced dates, times and venues in a season set to kick off on Thursday, March 6.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will draw their attention to archrivals Melbourne, with the team set to host the Storm and a returning fan favourite, George Rose, in round one at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.
A chance at redemption will arrive in round four, when premiers Sydney Roosters do battle against the Sea Eagles in the grand final rematch on Friday, March 28 at Allianz Stadium.
Click here to SIGN UP as a Sea Eagles Member to help make us STRONGER TOGETHER in 2014
"Matching up against three of last years top four and one of your oldest rivals (Parramatta) within the first four rounds is very appealing," Sea Eagles CEO David Perry said.
"Add to this, that three of these games are home matches and the other is a grand final rematch just over the bridge - it's a superb opportunity for all Sea Eagles members and supporters to help get the team off to a flying start in 2014."
"The process is far from perfect for anyone, but we're pleased with the outcome and very much looking forward to the season kicking off at Brookvale on March 8."
Monday night football occupied a large portion of the Sea Eagles 2013 season, but with Fox Sports making Saturday night their priority time slot, last years grand finalists are fixed to play just two Monday night matches in the opening 20 rounds of 2014, compared with seven last season.
The Sea Eagles will showcase seven Friday night free-to-air matches, three Saturday evening games, six afternoon games on Sunday and just two on the Monday night.
The club will again move two home games away from Brookvale, with the Central Coast staging the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs showdown in round two on Friday night.
The club is continuing discussion with the NRL to play a revolutionary game in China against the Canberra Raiders, however is also looking at alternative venues should the match fail to materialise.
Heritage Round will feature in round five, with the NRL also declaring round 10 as Women in League Round, Close the Gap Round (rd 23), Sea Eagles Members Recognition Round (rd 25) and the Glory Bound rounds in the lead up to the finals.
Ensuring that members can plan around when their team is playing has remained a key priority, NRL Head of Football, Mr Todd Greenberg, said today.
This is a draw that has been built around fans and building major events in major stadiums while retaining traditional venues.
