Kearney handing Eels opportunities

Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney says Saturday’s trial match against rivals Penrith will be an opportunity for each player to stake a claim for a round one starting spot.

Kearney has named a squad containing Jarryd Hayne, Daniel Mortimer, Tim Mannah and Nathan Hindmarsh for the Battle of the West Cup clash.

New recruits Casey McGuire and Carl Webb will also feature.

Kearney is placing plenty of importance on the match, which he believes is the Eels’ last serious test before their round one clash with the Warriors in Auckland on March 12.

“it’s an important game in that it’s our last serious hit-out before the first competition game and it’s important that we get close to working out who we want to be picking for that game,” he says.

“In terms of the competition for spots it’s very positive for the group that there is a bit of that.

“The other thing is that we’ve got more players available. Ben Smith came back last week, Paul Whatuira’s right and will come back through Wentworthville in the NSW Cup, Chris Hicks is right for Round 1 and possibly Joel Reddy as well. It is a real positive for us.”

Eels Squad

1.   Jarryd Hayne
2.   Luke Burt
3.   Chris Walker
4.   Ryan Morgan
5.   Etu Uaisele
6.   Daniel Mortimer
7.   Jeff Robson
8.   Tim Mannah
9.   Casey McGuire
10.  Mitchell Allgood
11.  Nathan Hindmarsh (C)
12.  Taniela Lasalo
13.  Justin Horo
14.  Matt Keating
15.  Shane Shackleton
16.  Ben Smith
17.  Carl Webb
18.  Billy Rogers
19.  Jacob Loko