He scored five tries in a Queensland Cup semi-final today and the great news is, Matt Parcell is Brookvale bound in 2016.
In one of the most remarkable individual performances seen in the Queensland Cup competition, Parcell scored five tries – four of them in the first half in Ipswich Jets’ 44-18 win over Easts Tigers.
His performance meant he was an obvious standout for the man-of-the-match award.
Parcell, 22, heads to the Sea Eagles with plenty of strong wraps on him headed by former Manly five-eighth Ben Walker – his coach at the Ipswich Jets.
Speaking in the weekly ‘Zorba’ column written by Sea Eagles Board Director, Peter Peters, in the Manly Daily on Saturday, Walker has no doubts Parcell will be a star in the NRL.
“He is a better player than (Cowboys hooker) Jake Granville (tipped to win Dally M Hooker of the Year) and has proved that in the last three years,’’ Walker said.
“Matt is fit, fast and the perfect professional to coach. He will light up Brookvale.”
Parcell played six NRL matches with the Brisbane Broncos this season but was dropped after announcing he was joining Manly from 2016.
Peters wrote Parcell will be involved in a three-way battle with new Penrith signing and grand final-winning hooker Apisai Koroisau and incumbent hooker and two-time premiership-winning hooker Matt Ballin.
“It will be an absorbing race for the nine jersey with all three bringing different assets,’’ Peters wrote.
“Parcell is explosive and can tear open tired defences like a knife through butter. Koroisau is a crafty player and very skilful out of dummy half.
“Ballin is a proven warhorse, wonderful defender and club legend but will give his two opponents a head start because of his ACL injury.
“Parcell and Koroisau have been hand picked because of their age and versatility which will be vital with the reduced replacements for the 2016 season.
“They can both play hooker, five-eighth and half if needed, which is compelling when choosing a 17.
“It will be a welcome selection headache for incoming Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett.”
