Eels gear up for first trial

Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne will team up in the centres for the Parramatta Eels in their opening NRL trial match against Penrith in Albury on Friday night.

A total of ten players with NRL experience will start the match, with Inu and Hayne being joined by Brett Finch, Mark Riddell, Joe Galuvao, Todd Lowrie, Feleti Mateo, Joel Reddy, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo.

Head coach Michael Hagan says the trial presents an early opportunity to take a look at combinations for 2008.

"This is an important game for a number of players," Hagan said.

"Hayne and Inu in the centres is a critical combination, while we're also keen to get a look at Finch and Mateo in the halves and Galuvao, Lowrie and Hauraki in the back row.

"Trials give you the opportunity to try things out and given we're only playing two pre-season games we'll be keen to make the most of it."

The nine-man bench features a mix of players from the Eels full and part time squads, with all players to be given ample game time.

"They're an exciting bunch of kids, all of whom have had outstanding off seasons," Hagan said.

"Matt and Kris Keating will make their first grade debuts sooner rather than later so this will be an important step up for them, as it will be for every player on the bench."

The Eels travel to Albury on Thursday ahead of Friday night's game, which kicks off at 7pm.