LOCAL VISIT: Parramatta star Ben Roberts will visit the Shoalhaven with the rest of the Eels team. Photo KIRT GILMORE
THE famous Parramatta Eels rugby league team will be visiting the Shoalhaven region to kick off the 2013 rugby league season.
The Eels will visit the region in early February as part of the NRL’s One Community Carnival.
NRL Southern NSW regional development manager Matt Schubert announced this week that Parramatta Eels head coach Ricky Stuart will be bringing his entire playing and support staff to the Shoalhaven from February 6-8.
“The Parramatta Eels players will have a very busy three days with visits to schools across the Shoalhaven, a skills clinic at Sanctuary Point, an open training session and a sportsman’s night in Nowra spread over the three days,” Schubert said.
“As part of the NRL’s One Community Program the Eels will also be delivering an anti-bullying message during the school visits.”
Schubert said it was a rare treat for a community to host an entire NRL team.
“The NRL teams usually send six players as part of the NRL Community Carnival but we are very thankful to Ricky Stuart and the Parramatta Eels who have decided to bring the entire squad to the Shoalhaven,” he said.
“This will enable kids and supporters from across the Shoalhaven to mingle with their favourite NRL stars during the three day carnival.”
In addition to the school visits, the team will host a skills clinic at Francis Ryan Oval, Sanctuary Point on Wednesday, February 6 from 4-5pm. This will be an opportunity for everyone to meet the players and for the kids to learn skills and pick up a few tips from the Parramatta Eels players. There will also be a free sausage sizzle supplied by the Bay and Basin United Rugby League Club.
On Thursday, February 7 the Parramatta team will attend a sportsman’s dinner at Nowra Golf Club from 6pm. This is expected to be a fun filled night with the entire Parramatta Eels squad attending, and Ricky Stuart as guest speaker. The night will consist of a three course meal, player interviews, trivia and an auction.
Tickets are $45 per person
or a table of 10 for $400. Contact Matt Schubert by email: mschubert@nrl.com.au or phone 0429 651 255 to book your tickets.