Eels resume training

The off season is officially over for the Parramatta Eels.

The blue and gold began their quest for the 2008 Telstra Premiership with a session at Parramatta Stadium on Monday.

New recruit Joe Gulavao (right) was among the players sweating it out on their first day back at "the office".

The Eels will play a trial against the Panthers at Albury's Lavington Oval on February 22. They will also play the Roosters in a trial at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford on March 1 before hosting the Bulldogs in round one of the competition on the weekend of March 14-17.

Hayne's centre switch

JARRYD Hayne is facing a permanent move to centre as replacement for NSW Waratahs recruit Timana Tahu as the young Eel considers a lucrative new two-year deal.

Hayne's manager Wayne Beavis met with the Eels last week to discuss a contract extension.

"There is a formal offer there and I'll sit down with Jarryd over the next few days,'' Beavis said.

"It's certainly a competitive offer but we'll need to tinker with it.''

South Sydney have expressed an interest in Hayne after the 2008 season, but Beavis said there had been no talks.

"There have been expressions of interest from a few clubs but nothing more than that at this stage,'' he said.

"I'll be getting back to Parra before considering going down that path.''

Eels coach Michael Hagan made it clear both Hayne and outstanding young winger Krisnan Inu, who is also off contract at the end of next season, were major priorities.

He indicated other Eels players off contract would be sacrificed if necessary.