Trial, 2016: Parramatta 20 Gold Coast 20

Parramatta Eels official site

The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have today announced a 2016 pre-season trial match against the Gold Coast Titans at ANZAC Oval in Alice Springs on Saturday, February 13.

Heading into the third year of a ground-breaking four-year partnership with the Northern Territory Government, the Eels are again planning a full twelve-month calendar of visits to #eelsterritory.

The Blue and Gold will host coaching and skills clinics through Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin, as well as business networking events, community visits, educational programs, and an NRL Telstra Premiership clash in Darwin during the season.

Eels Acting CEO John Boulous said the Eels were anticipating another successful stint in their second home, the Northern Territory.

“Our club is proud of what we have already achieved so far in our partnership with the Northern Territory Government, and the support from the Members and fans in Eels Territory has been incredible,” Boulous said.

“We’re really looking forward to another big year promoting rugby league, developing talent through the Eels Academy across the Territory, and working with schools, community groups and local players and coaches.”

NT Minister for Sport and Recreation Gary Higgins said the game was an opportunity for Central Australia to get an exclusive preview of the two NRL teams ahead of the 2016 season.

“This match will be a treat for rugby league fans in Alice Springs, as they get an exclusive preview of how the Eels are shaping up in 2016,” said NT Minister for Sport and Recreation Gary Higgins.

“Centralian rugby league fans can look forward to possibly seeing some new arrivals in the Blue and Gold, as we cheer coach Brad Arthur and his squad into a new season, and we’ll also look forward to seeing how the Titans will perform as both clubs look towards a stronger 2016.”

“The Government’s partnership with the Eels will enter its third year in 2016, and we can also expect to see some fantastic community engagement activities and promotion of participation of sport as part of a healthy lifestyle during the Eels’ visit to the Red Centre.”

The Eels’ February trial match will be the Blue and Gold’s second hit out in the lead up to the 2016 season, coming off the back of the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines on February 6 and 7 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kick off times and ticket pricing will be confirmed in the coming months.

Parramatta Eels Official website

The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have ended their week in the Northern Territory with a 20-all draw with the Gold Coast Titans in their first NRL trial of the year.

In front of 2,405 vocal fans at Alice Springs’ Anzac Oval, a late try to the Titans saw the match levelled on the siren.

The first quarter began with the Titans dominating possession, with Nathan Friend burrowing over for a try from dummy half before the Eels had the chance for an attacking set.

Local Territory junior Luke Kelly was instrumental in setting up the Eels’ early try, with Ryan Morgan the beneficiary of a right to left play, crossing on the wing.

The second term saw the Eels forward aim up, with Junior Paulo, Daniel Alvaro and Cameron King rotated into the side.

Alvaro didn’t last too long, leaving with a concussion early in the quarter, but the Eels stepped up their attack.

Kelly came very close to scoring himself, but the next play Paulo received the short ball from dummy half and barged over under the posts to put the Eels ahead.

Quick hands from King and fullback Bevan French saw a long distance pass land with Bureta Faraimo, whose speed saw another try added to the Eels’ tally.

Centre Brad Takairangi pulled off an incredible one-on-one strip off Shannon Walker, with a pass to rookie Alex Twal leading to his first try playing with the first grade side.

The third quarter saw more players rotated into the mix, with the two teams trading sets for most of the 20-minutes, resulting in no further score changes.

The final quarter saw the Titans begin strongly, with Nathan Davis finding some space and crashing over on the left edge.

The former Eels NYC player missed the sideline conversion attempt.

Just a few minutes later, and forward Leivaha Pulu crossed after a short ball hit his hands. Daniel Mortimer’s conversion attempt hit the left post and rebounded.

In the final minute, Eddy Pettybourne made a huge line break, scoring after the buzzer to put the Titans just two points behind, with the Davis conversion sealing the game as a tie.

Parramatta Eels 20 (Morgan, Paulo, Faraimo, Twal tries, Kelly 2 goals)

drew with

Gold Coast Titans 20 (Friend, Davis, Pulu, Pettybourne tries, Taylor 1 goal, Davis 1 goal)