Although it’s only a trial, emotions are set to run high on Saturday night with a host of Parramatta players returning to Brookvale Oval to face their old club.
After a thrilling weekend at the Auckland Nines, the Sea Eagles focus their attention back on the coming season as they prepare to tackle the Eels in their final hit-out before the official kick-off to the NRL season.
Former Sea Eagles assistant coach Brad Arthur, prop forward David Gower and outside back Will Hopoate return to their old home as foes for the first time since their departure.
With the season set to kick off in just over a fortnight’s time, Saturday night’s trial will be more about the performance rather the result.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again next month at Brookvale Oval where the result will count for everything on that night in round three.
Parramatta’s impressive Nines campaign has provided them with a confidence boost heading into Saturday night. The Eels were able to progress through to the quarterfinal stage before being bundled out by Cronulla.
Coach Geoff Toovey is again likely to chop-and-change his side throughout the match as he looks to settle on a final 17 for round one against the Storm.
Some notable exclusions to the Sea Eagles' world-class backline in Jamie Lyon, David Williams and Steve Matai gives a number of young outside backs a chance to stamp their mark.
Gates open at 4:45pm for a 5:00pm NYC kick-off. The NRL match will kick off at 7:30pm in what promises to be a belter pre-season hit-out.
