Young Billy Bainbridge provides a glimpse into future of the Sea Eagles

THE Sea Eagles provided another glimpse into their future in Sunday’s final game of the season against Penrith.

Sea Eagles forward Billy Bainbridge made his NRL debut last Sunday.

• Sea Eagles farewell 20 players
• Eleven players cited after junior grand final brawl

THE Sea Eagles provided another glimpse into their future in Sunday’s final game of the season against Penrith.

At a time when the club revealed that 20 players from this year’s squad are moving on, local junior Billy Bainbridge was called up to make his NRL debut after spending the season with the Manly under 20s.

The backrower, who is a product of the Christian Brothers club, was given his chance by coach Trent Barrett during the final stages of the game won by Penrith 36-6.

“Our 20s have been struggling along this year but I thought he did really well when he went on,” Barrett said.

Manly coach Trent Barrett. Picture:Mark Evans.

“We gave Jimmy (Buhrer) a rest there at the end so Billy could get some time,” Barrett said.

“It’s going to be good for his development, he’s still 18 months away probably from being a regular first grader.

“He’s a terrific kid, he’s tough, he’s a local junior.”

While Manly has a small junior rugby league compared to most of their rivals, four locals were in the NRL squad that played the Panthers- Jake and Trbojevic, Brad Parker and Bainbridge.