Bring on the football, say Eels

NEW Parramatta coach Michael Hagan says his players are now "frustrated" with pre-season training and want to start playing some football.

The Eels yesterday completed a two-day camp on the NSW Central Coast which included a game of park cricket at Terrigal.
Hagan said his players have had 10 gruelling weeks of off-season training and are now ready to play.

Parramatta play their first trial against Cronulla in Parkes on February 17.

"I think it's got to the stage where they want to play a game," Hagan said last night.

"They're probably a little frustrated.

"Normally at the end of a week you can get out there and vent some anger or energy.

"But that doesn't happen in the off-season.

"Having said that, it's only two weeks before our first trial."

Hagan said skipper Nathan Cayless had admirably led his side's pre-season training.

"I think we're in pretty good shape physically and the boys are in good spirits," Hagan said.

"It has been a hard 10-week pre-season so going to the Central Coast just mixed things up a bit."

Parramatta will field a class side this season. The Eels have stylish outside backs, sharp halves and a mobile forward pack, led by Cayless and representative player Nathan Hindmarsh.