The Parramatta Eels have announced their team to line up against the St George Illawarra Dragons in their trial on Thursday 18 February.
Keegan Hipgrave, Oregon Kaufusi and Isaiah Papali’i have been granted exemptions by the NRL to play in the match.
Eels Head of Football Mark O’Neill has thanked the NRL for their understanding and allowing them to play.
“The Club currently has four players who were eligible to play in the trial, but have recently become unavailable,” O’Neill said.
“We respect the NRL rules and the reasons why such rules are in place. We would like to extend our thanks to the NRL and the RLPA for granting Oregon, Keegan and Isaiah exemptions to play on Thursday,” he said.
Tim Lafai also joins the team on a Canterbury Cup NSW contract.
Kick off is at 5:30pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium; the Eels’ first trial of 2021.
Team List
1 Sean Russell
2 Michael Oldfield
3 Will Penisini
4 Tom Opacic
5 Haze Dunster
6 Will Smith
7 Jakob Arthur
8 Dave Hollis
9 Joey Lussick
10 Oregon Kaufusi
11 Keegan Hipgrave
12 Isaiah Papalií
13 Makahesi Makatoa
14 Josh Tuipulotu
15 Matt Komolafe
16 Jordan Rankin
17 Caleb Tohi
18 Charbel Tasipale
19 Solomone Naiduki
20 Toa Mata'afa
21 Eli El Zahkem
NN Tim Lafai
NN Charlton Schaafhausen
NN Noel Aukafolau
Replies
Well it looks like Will Penisini & Tom Opacic have the inside running for Jenko's spot
Tim Lafai is an Eel
Not top 30
That will most likely change after the Jennings situation is resolved.
Yeah I was surprised too
Pretty strong looking team for us.
Hope they go well and looking forward to seeing how the new boys go. Competition for spots in top grade means they should be having a real crack.
Go boys!
What happened to Sam Hughes Lurker ??
Good to see the footy is not far away and to see how these fellas go
We gave 4 players unavailable through injury, maybe he is one.
is this being televised anywhere?