Players excited about Ipswich trial

Author: Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Fri 19 Feb 2016, 03:03 PM

Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett has two simple wishes for tomorrow’s trial against Ipswich Jets at Pittwater Park – no injuries, and to see a ‘nice, organised disciplined team’.

Barrett has named a powerful side filled with talent and class in what is the team’s final hit out for the pre-season ahead of the opening round blockbuster against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval on Friday, March 4.

"I want to see the things put into practice that we've been practising for the last three months – the combinations and to be organised,” Barrett said this morning.

“We need to get to Round 1 confident and put ourselves in a good position to win that game. I just want to see a nice balanced performance and some blokes get some minutes under their belt."

The Jets trial will be the first time new recruits Martin Taupau, Nate Myles, Nathan Green and Dylan Walker will appear in a Sea Eagles jersey for an 80 minute game.

Fellow signing Darcy Lussick will make his first appearance back in the maroon and white after returning ‘home’ following a stint at Parramatta Eels.

Barrett said he was excited about seeing new five-eighth Walker appear alongside half-back Daly Cherry-Evans for the first time.

"I'm looking forward to seeing (Cherry-Evans) and Dylan playing together, and 'Snake' (Brett Stewart)," Barrett said.

"(Walker) has been impressive. I did watch him through his juniors a fair bit as a five-eighth and always thought that was his position.

"When I did get the job he was one of the first players that I went after to try and get and 'Bozo' (Bob Fulton) was of the same opinion.

"He certainly hasn't disappointed in that area – he looks comfortable there. There will be some teething problems there, we've had a fair bit to do with him in regards to his kicking and organisation but he's coming along fairly well.

"It certainly won't be a finished product at the start of the year, we need to just keep developing with him and Cherry but so far they look all right. We're very lucky to have them, they're both good players."

Barrett said his players can’t afford to fall into the trap of playing an expansive game like the Jets do.

“It will be interesting and we have done a little bit of video on them,’’ he said.

“They are very different. For us, we are not really worried about what they are doing, we just need to get some of our house in order.

“It is exciting for Ipswich and a good advertisement for the game. They do some weird things so we will have to concentrate.

“We don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to play the style of footy they are playing. We will stick to what we have been doing. It is an important game and we need to get what we want out of it.”

The only way Sea Eagles supporters can see the match is to be at Pittwater Park as there will be no live streaming, radio or television coverage of the game.

Supporters will be able to follow a live score service on our Twitter and Facebook pages with match reports and any team news to appear on seaeagles.com.au

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