Eels name Nines hero for Titans NRL trial

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has included Auckland Nines hero Bevan French in a 24-man squad for Saturday's NRL trial against Gold Coast.French scored a record eight tries in the two-day tournament last weekend in New Zealand, but will get his first test against NRL-calibre players when he takes on the Titans in Alice Springs.A slew of off-season signings will make their first appearances in Eels colours, however big-name recruits Kieran Foran, Michael Jennings, Michael Gordon and Beau Scott have been kept in cotton wool.New buys Mitch Cornish, Clint Gutherson, Cameron King and Rory O'Brien have all been named in the squad.Captain Tim Mannah will also get a run, while Kenny Edwards is set to return after copping a nine-month ban for impersonating a teammate last year during a pre-season drugs test.The Eels have another trial in Penrith on February 20 before beginning their NRL season on March 3 against Brisbane.Squad: Daniel Alvaro, Mitch Cornish, Isaac De Gois, Kenny Edwards, Bureta Faraimo, Bevan French, Tyrell Fuimaono, Clint Gutherson, Luke Kelly, Cameron King, Tim Mannah, Tepai Moeroa, Ryan Morgan, Cody Nelson, Rory O'Brien, Junior Paulo, Kaysa Pritchard, Brad Takairangi, Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo, Vai Toutai, Honeti Tuha, Alex Twal, Matt Woods.

Replies

Braeden Kelly February 10, 2016 at 5:57pm

Will be interesting to see they starting 17
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown February 10, 2016 at 6:12pm

Dont believe BA for one second when he said French will be getting no 1st grade game time this year, absolute nonsense from BA, hes foxing to take the pressure off Bev.

As soon as the moment presents itself BF is being groomed for game time this year
- Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown February 10, 2016 at 6:15pm
  
  Physically is he ready?
ManuMau February 10, 2016 at 6:14pm

Bever French deserves a spot in the team
On March 3
- Richard Jackson > ManuMau February 10, 2016 at 6:22pm
  
  What's the word on Watmough Chief?
Ricky February 10, 2016 at 6:22pm

Nope, he isn't.

I'd be surprised if he played first-grade this year.
He's being groomed by the club as a fullback only at this stage.
Kerry George February 10, 2016 at 6:28pm

In these trials can they use more than 17 players?
- Bup > Kerry George February 10, 2016 at 6:29pm
  
  They can.
Camo73 February 10, 2016 at 6:38pm

Wow. We have some pretty impressive depth this year. I like it.
Paul Marshall February 10, 2016 at 7:16pm

We have so many hookers, Peats, De Gois, King, Pritchard, Nelson??
Will be interesting who gets the top spots