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Parramatta ace Jarryd Hayne will make his 2011 debut in Saturday night’s trial against Wests Tigers, his inclusion a massive shot in the arm for the NRL in its battle with the AFL for Sydney’s west.
On the same night Greater Western Sydney take their first steps as an AFL entity with the opening round of the pre-season cup at Blacktown, Hayne will go head to head with Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall a few kilometres down the M7 at Campbelltown Stadium.
Hayne had been in doubt for the game as he battled a hamstring injury sustained during training ahead of last year’s Four Nations campaign, but was named at fullback in a new-look Eels side.
The Eels have only the clash with the Tigers and next weekend’s game against Penrith to get their combinations settled ahead of the opening round trip across the Tasman to face the Warriors.
“I would like to see as many players as possible get on the field, particularly before the trial next week so I can have a look at all our options,” Eels coach Stephen Kearney said.
Veteran winger Luke Burt is the only remaining regular from last year’s squad in the three-quarters, with Ryan Morgan and Chris Walker in the centres and Etu Uaisele on the other wing.
Former Brisbane hooker Casey McGuire gets the start at hooker ahead of Matt Keating, while Taniela Lasalo joins Nathan Hindmarsh in the second row.
Shane Shackleton, Carl Webb and Ben Smith were all named on a 12-man bench, which also contains former Cronulla reject Karlos Filiga.
Filiga – who was dubbed the `next Sonny Bill Williams’ when signed by the Sharks in 2007 – was released from his lucrative deal with the club midway through the 2009 season, at which point he joined Eels feeder club Wentworthville.
The Eels announced late on Thursday at their season launch that prop Tim Mannah and Matt Keating had extended their contracts with the club.
Mannah he re-signed until 2014, while Keating inked a deal to keep him with the Eels until 2013.
“I love the place,” Mannah said.
“I feel like it’s the start of a new chapter in the club’s history.
“It’s like a second home for me here.
“From the players, to the coaching staff, to the people in the office and our sponsors and Members, its all made me feel really comfortable about playing here.”
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