Sydney Roosters, Manly Sea Eagles to clash in NRL pre-season trial for next four years

NRL heavyweights, the Sydney Roosters and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, are set to clash in what will be an annual pre-season trial fixture in Gosford on February 21.

Tim Williams

@twill345

less than 2 min read

January 13, 2015 - 12:13PM

Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans kicks ahead to score a try during the Manly v Wests Tigers rugby league game at Brookvale Oval, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

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NRL heavyweights, the Sydney Roosters and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, are set to clash in what will be an annual pre-season trial fixture in Gosford on February 21.

The clubs today announced they will contest their final pre-season hit out over the next four years in an area which boasts a strong following for each of the Sydney clubs.

Manly's Brett Stewart expected to be a key player for Manly this year.

“With more than 5500 participants in the region, the Central Coast has a strong rugby league supporters base, and with next month’s trial locked in at Central Coast Stadium, we’re looking forward to engaging with the community to promote our code in lead-up to the day,” said Roosters Chief Executive, Brian Canavan.

The fixture will act as the final hit out for both clubs prior to the opening round of the 2015 NRL season and will include lower grade matches in both the NSW Cup and the National Youth Competition leading into the main event.

The announcement follows the Roosters decision to link with the Wyong Roos as their feeder club after parting ways with long-time associates the Newtown Jets. Manly has a regular association with Blue Tongue Stadium.

Roosters's Mitchell Pearce passes during a Sydney Roosters training.

“Both the Roosters and Sea Eagles have a fantastic relationship with the community on the Central Coast with many loyal members from the region, so it’s great to see this in the diary for 2015 and beyond,” said Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly

Manly coach Geoff Toovey has hinted at the importance of the trial as a key lead up to round one.

“While there are no points on the line in these matches they are vitally important for each player, as well as the coaching staff to ensure they will be 100% ready and committed for the rigours of another gruelling NRL season,” Toovey said.

The thoughts were echoed by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

“Manly have been a benchmark side over the last decade, and it will be a great measure for each of our squads to test themselves in lead-up to the season over the next four years,” Robinson said.