The Pirtek Parramatta Eels have trained strongly ahead of their first trial match of the season against the St George Illawarra Dragons in Perth.
The Parramatta Eels have made the most of the sunny weather while in Western Australia, spending time at Perth’s City Beach and taking part in coaching clinics with local kids.
Coach Daniel Anderson has named a strong squad for the club’s first trial, including players from last year’s grand final side, like Daniel Mortimer, Jeff Robson, Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo.
New recruit Shane Shackleton will play in the Blue & Gold for the first time, while youngsters Tim Mortimer, Mitchell Allgood and Anthony Mitchell will get their chance with the top team.
It will also signal the first time prop Tim Mannah leads the team onto the field, while Feleti Mateo will also take on captaincy duties.
But the most popular player by far in WA is a player not taking part in the match – Eels’ prop Fuifui Moimoi. The Tongan’s reputation for big hits and bigger hairstyles has reached Perth, and he was mobbed by kids at a coachingclinic in Fremantle earlier in the week.
Players and staff were impressed at the skill level of some juniors in Western Australia’s Rugby League competition, while Moimoi enjoyed interacting with some of his new fans.
“It was good, they knew who I was and they knew a lot about the NRL,” Moimoi said.
Coach Daniel Anderson said he was happy to take the team over to Perth and believes there is enough interest in sport to support any code.
“We know it’s important to show we have a great product and those who come to watch will see we’ve got a great product,” he said.
Parramatta Eels team for Dragons Trial
1. Tom Humble
2. Tim Mortimer
3. Krisnan Inu
4. Jono Wright
5. Etu Uaisele
6. Kris Keating
7. Jeff Robson
8. Tim Mannah
9. Anthony Mitchell
10. Tim Robinson
11. Justin Horo
12. Taniela Lasalo
13. Shane Shackleton
14. Daniel Mortimer
15. Feleti Mateo
16. Pat O’Hanlon
17. Pele Peletelese
18. Dom Nasso
19. Mitchell Allgood
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