Souths to host Manly in trial match

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett plans to play his best players in the team’s opening trial match against South Sydney on Saturday, February 11.

The Rabbitohs will host the Sea Eagles in a trial match at Campbelltown Sports Stadium at 7.30pm – a week after the annual NRL Auckland Nines tournament.

It will be a massive day of rugby league at Campbelltown Stadium with Manly playing Souths in NYC, Intrust Super, and NRL trial matches. It will also be the first time Manly supporters can see the new Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles team in action.

Manly originally agreed to play Cronulla in their first trial match at Pittwater Park but the Sharks are now headed for the World Club Challenge following their maiden premiership victory.

Aware the Sharks could qualify for the World Club Challenge, the Sea Eagles held discussions with several NRL clubs to secure a quality trial in the event Cronulla were heading to the UK.

“We are fortunate to be able to play Souths in a genuine trial match at Campbelltown. They have plenty of quality players and it will be a good test for us early,’’ Barrett said.

“There are a fair amount of new players in our squad and the more game time they get together before round one, the better it will be for us.

“With a bit of luck, all the players who have undergone post season surgery will be able to play against Souths.

“I’m looking to field our strongest team in the NRL trial against Souths. It is important we hit the ground running in round one.

“The Sea Eagles have plenty of supporters across western Sydney so this will be a great chance for them to watch the boys play at Campbelltown.”