Coach Trent Barrett puts Sea Eagles forwards on notice as competition for spots hots up

SEA Eagles coach Trent Barrett has put his forwards on notice that places in the opening round of the NRL are on the line during the trial against Ipswich.

Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett speaks during a media conference ahead of Saturday's trial game. Picture: Troy Snook

SEA Eagles coach Trent Barrett has put his forwards on notice that places in the opening round of the NRL are on the line during Saturday evening’s trial against the Ipswich Jets at Pittwater Rugby Park.

“A lot of them still have a lot to play for, we still have some spots up for grabs in the team and the players are aware of that,” Barrett admitted yesterday.

“So it will be an interesting day tomorrow.”

Barrett said while the backline was pretty settled, there was still plenty of jostling for places in the new look Sea Eagles pack.

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“There are some blokes who will be fit for round one that won’t play in this trial and we’ve got to fit them in somewhere — some good players are going to have to miss out,” Barrett said.

Feleti Mateo, Lewis Brown, Apisai Koroisau and Matt Parcell will be watching from the grandstand today.

Manly's Feleti Mateo will miss Saturday’s trial against the Ipswich Jets. Picture Gregg Porteous

The Sea Eagles frontrow stocks are bursting with options and Barrett and his assistant coaches face some tough decisions ahead of the first round game with the Bulldogs.

Nate Myles and Jake Tobojevic will start today, with Darcy Lussick, Brenton Lawrence and Josh Starling on the bench. On top of that Luke Burgess and Siosaia Vave are also in the mix.

Former Cronulla and Storm forward Vave has impressed during the pre-season and will start in the reserves but may get some time in the first grade game.

“He has done really well, he has dropped a lot of weight and is the lightest he has been for a few years,” Barrett said.

Jake Trbojevic is one of Sea Eagles top props..Picture Gregg Porteous

“We are probably going to have eight or nine genuine first grade front-rowers to pick from so that is a luxury that we have got and hopefully it stays that way all year.”

Barrett said it was always planned that star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans would be fit for this game after off-season shoulder surgery.

“At a pinch he could have played last week but we erred on the side of caution,” Barrett said.

“I wouldn’t be playing him this week if he wasn’t right, he’s 100 per cent fit.”