Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will play the ‘Harlem Globetrotters of Rugby League’, Ipswich Jets, in a pre-season trial match in February.
The Ipswich Jets, who captivated the Rugby League world with their unique attacking play under the Walker brothers, will tackle the Sea Eagles at Pittwater Park, Narrabeen, on Saturday, February 20.
This is a golden opportunity for Sea Eagles supporters to witness the Queensland Cup and National Champions play their entertaining style, which often comprises of short kick-offs and running backwards if needed when on the attack.
Ipswich hooker Matt Parcell will take on his former team-mates after signing with the Sea Eagles earlier this year.
CEO Joe Kelly said that with regular trial partners the Sydney Roosters competing in the World Club Challenge, the Sea Eagles were quick to open dialogue with Ipswich.
“Ipswich were one of the best stories of September, and they were our first choice for a trial partner when it became apparent that the Roosters would be heading to the UK,” said Kelly.
The Sea Eagles are also thrilled to return to Pittwater Park after hosting a successful trial match at the venue earlier this year, and are now working hard with the Warringah Rugby Club, Pittwater Park’s permanent tenant, to build on the success of the 2015 trial.
“We were astonished at the size of the crowd that turned up for our Pittwater Park trial against the Sharks earlier this year. It was an incredible atmosphere and wonderful to see so many mums, dads and kids enjoying the event. We’re expecting an enormous turnout,” Kelly said.
The Sea Eagles will play their first trial match against Cronulla Sharks at Remondis Stadium a week earlier.
Tickets for the trial match at Pittwater Park go on sale later this month.
2016 Trials
Cronulla Sharks v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Sunday 14 February
Remondis Stadium, Cronulla
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Ipswich Jets
Saturday 20 February
Pittwater Park, Narrabeen
